First cohort of Civil Engineering Degree Apprentices graduate from Northumbria

The inaugural cohort of Civil Engineering degree apprentices have graduated from Northumbria University, marking a significant milestone in addressing the UK's infrastructure skills gap.

The Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship launched in 2020, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring Civil Engineers to gain hands-on experience while studying a professionally accredited course.

The programme blends theoretical learning with practical, work-based experience, ensuring apprentices develop the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and professional competencies required for their careers in the industry.

Throughout the programme, students have applied their knowledge of structural design, sustainability, and professional civil engineering practice, directly to real-world infrastructure projects.

Apprentices also benefit from being part of the Northumbria Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Hub, connecting them with industry professionals and expanding their career prospects.

Having now received their academic awards, the graduates will work towards their End Point Assessments (EPA), at which point they will have completed their degree apprenticeships. Most will also obtain the Incorporated Engineer Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (IEng MICE) professional qualification.

James Straughan from North Shields, a degree apprentice at CK21 said: “I’m incredibly proud to have completed my apprenticeship with CK21 and to graduate with the first cohort at Northumbria University. The apprenticeship route has given me the chance to build real work experience alongside my studies, which has helped me develop quickly and grow into a strong member of the team.

“Thanks to the hands-on experience I’ve gained while working toward my degree, I’ve been able to move into a more senior role and am now looking ahead to my EPA and working toward achieving IEng MICE.

Claire Bird, Senior Structural Engineer and Principal Designer at CK21, and James’ mentor, added: “At CK21 we are proud to support the apprenticeship programme and to see James graduate with the first cohort at Northumbria University is fantastic. Doing the apprenticeship route has allowed James to gain work experience alongside his studies, which has produced a very valuable member of the team.

“We wish him every success in his upcoming EPA to achieve IEng MICE. We are so happy with the programme at Northumbria University that we have another three apprentices at various stages currently on the scheme.”

Professor Sarah Green, Head of the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics at Northumbria University, said: “The Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship exemplifies Northumbria University's commitment to developing industry-ready graduates who can immediately contribute to shaping the UK's critical infrastructure, from roads and bridges to water systems and buildings. Congratulations to all of the graduates. We wish you the best of luck in your future careers.”

Last month, Nathan Kell was named Apprentice of the Year at the Institution of Structural Engineers Northern Counties Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions by structural engineers to industry, society and engineering literature. Nathan is one of four Apprentices at Fairhurst Group, in his second year of the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme at Northumbria.

Northumbria University is a leading Higher and Degree Apprenticeship training provider. Higher and Degree Apprenticeships offer learners an alternative route to attaining a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualification by combining university study with workplace learning.

Find out more about Degree Apprenticeships at Northumbria University.