New Civil Engineering Technician Apprentices Launched to Boost Cornwall’s Construction Sector

As infrastructure demands rapidly increase, this apprenticeship will nurture a new wave of highly skilled technicians ready to address engineering and construction challenges. This 30-month program combines Cormac's industry expertise with Truro and Penwith College's exceptional teaching quality, offering a balanced curriculum that features classroom instruction and practical experience on live projects managed by Cormac.

Dominic Bostock, Managing Director for Cormac, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration: "We are excited to partner with Truro and Penwith College to bring this apprenticeship programme to life. It is essential that we equip the next generation of civil engineers with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to address the challenges of the future and continue providing value to our communities. Our collaboration on this program demonstrates our commitment to career development and ongoing efforts to invest in local talent to drive innovation in civil engineering within the region.

Hayley McKinstry, Director of Partnerships & Apprenticeships at Truro and Penwith College, highlighted the significance of the program: "At Truro & Penwith College, we are proud to collaborate with Cormac to deliver an apprenticeship that meets both their business needs and Cornwall's broader skills agenda. This partnership highlights our commitment to working closely with local employers to ensure the county's workforce has access to the qualifications and training essential to its industries. By offering this tailored Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship, we are supporting local companies like Cormac by ensuring they can access the skilled talent they need right here in Cornwall."

Tom Lal, Business Partnership Coordinator at Truro and Penwith College, elaborated on the importance of civil engineering: "Civil engineering is crucial to shaping Cornwall's future, from sustainable transport and flood defences to preserving historic structures and supporting housing developments. The Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship offers an ideal entry into this dynamic field, blending hands-on experience with academic learning to equip individuals with the skills needed for a successful career. Designed specifically for Cornwall's needs, this programme ensures that apprentices are well-prepared to contribute to the region's growth and infrastructure development."

This apprenticeship program is a crucial step in closing the skills gap. It serves as a channel for employers to foster a qualified workforce. As the demand for skilled labour in the civil engineering sector continues to rise, apprentices trained through this initiative will directly contribute to the strategic growth and improvement of local infrastructure.

With a curriculum that covers essential areas such as highways and infrastructure, design and planning, surveying, quality management, and project management, this apprenticeship offers a clear career path for school leavers, career changers, and individuals already in the field seeking to advance their qualifications. Upon completion, participants will earn a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering and achieve the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Standard.

As this pilot initiative unfolds, Cormac and, Truro and Penwith College aim to tailor the apprenticeship to the evolving industry landscape, with plans to extend the programme to other companies.

We look forward to welcoming the new apprentices later in the year, marking an exciting step forward for the company in delivering value to our communities and the construction sector.

Photo: Martin Tucker (Principal, Truro and Penwith College), Hayley McKinstry (Director of Business Partnerships and Apprenticeships, Truro and Penwith College), Teleri Kemp (HR Business Partner, Cormac) and Dominic Bostock (Managing Director, Cormac)

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