Building Futures Together: Northumbria University & Esh Group
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Isabelle Hewitt, a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Esh Group, has built a successful career through her degree apprenticeship journey, combining hands-on construction experience with academic study at Northumbria University.
Isabelle's story exemplifies how degree apprenticeships create clear pathways into the construction industry. Starting her apprenticeship in 2017 and graduating in 2022, she has progressed through multiple promotions and now mentors the next generation of trainees. This partnership between Esh Group and Northumbria University demonstrates the powerful impact of blending workplace learning with university education developing skilled professionals who drive the industry forward.
Beth Swainston, Training Manager at Esh Group, also shares her perspective on how degree apprenticeships are transforming career development and workforce planning within the construction sector.
Isabelle Hewitt - Senior Quantity Surveyor:
Which degree apprenticeship are you currently enrolled on (or have you completed) at Northumbria University?
I began studying the (Chartered) Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship in 2017 and graduated in 2022 with a 2.1.
Did you start your degree apprenticeship straight out of education?
I left college after the first year of my A Levels as I hadn’t performed how I would have liked and decided the A Levels I chose did not reflect what I was aiming for in a career.
After researching courses, I started a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment, later joining Esh Group on the apprenticeship, passing in July 2017. I moved onto my Degree Apprenticeship soon after in September 2017, allowing me to further develop my knowledge and skills to grow in my role as a Quantity Surveyor.
What has your overall experience been like studying with Northumbria University?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northumbria University – they provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere for everyone, no matter what level you work at or which area of the industry you are interested in. The course was well structured and engaging, with supportive and knowledgeable teaching staff. I felt well supported both academically and personally, and the experience contributed significantly to my confidence, skills, and professional development.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship?
Degree Apprenticeships provide a foundation of knowledge that opens doors to new opportunities you may be unaware of. My advice to anyone starting out in their career is to work hard and stay open to learning every day, and opportunities will come your way. That’s been my approach, and I’ve experienced the impact that a degree apprenticeship can have in helping your career to take off.
I would advise anyone considering a degree apprenticeship in this field to be prepared for balancing work and study, but also to see this as a major advantage. The opportunity to apply academic learning directly in the workplace helps deepen understanding and build confidence.
What motivated you to choose a degree apprenticeship over other routes into your profession?
Degree Apprenticeships were fairly new when I started my journey, and at the time, it appeared as a fantastic opportunity to develop my knowledge of construction and expand into a network of likeminded people alongside my professional career.
What have you gained from the programme?
I have gained a wide range of valuable skills and experience from the programme. It has allowed me to develop both my academic knowledge and practical workplace skills, improving my confidence and professionalism. The programme has helped me better understand my field in a real-world context and has prepared me well for future career progression.
What support have you received from your employer and from Northumbria University?
I have received strong and consistent support from both Esh Group and Northumbria University throughout my studies. Esh has been supportive in providing flexibility around my work schedule, allowing me to balance academic commitments with professional responsibilities. They have also encouraged the application of my learning in the workplace, which has helped me develop my skills and confidence in a practical setting, which I’ve since been able to pass on to more junior colleagues.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship in your field?
Due to a significant generational skills gap within the industry, there is a great opportunity now for young people to work in construction. With progression at the heart of the industry, the perceptions of it being ‘old school’ are changing rapidly as well as the idea that construction is a male dominated role.
For anyone looking to be part of this industry there are various roles to study a degree apprenticeship in such as Quantity Surveying, Engineering, and Business Management. Construction provides a great environment to work in and develop a career with many opportunities in its future.
I would advise anyone considering a degree apprenticeship in this field to be prepared and open to the opportunity. Being able to apply what you learn at university directly in the workplace is extremely valuable and helps reinforce learning. I would recommend making full use of the support offered by both the employer and the university, asking questions when needed, and staying proactive and motivated throughout the programme.
What are your future plans after your apprenticeship?
Since joining Esh in 2016 I have received several promotions in my career, and I am currently working as a Senior Quantity Surveyor. I have found a lot of joy in now being able to support new trainees and apprentices, passing on my knowledge and giving advice I learned from my degree apprenticeship.
I am keen to take on increased responsibility and further develop my professional expertise, and intend to continue my learning through further training or professional development opportunities, supporting my long-term career goals and progression.
Beth Swainston - Training Manager at Esh Group:
Why did your organisation choose to invest in degree apprenticeships?
We chose to invest in degree apprenticeships as part of our long-term commitment to developing skilled professionals within the business. In a competitive construction market, particularly in quantity surveying and civil engineering, apprenticeships allow us to grow talent in-house while ensuring our workforce develops the technical and professional skills that we need for the future. At Esh we aim to promote from within and invest in young people – one way to do this is by enrolling them onto degree apprenticeship courses.
What impact have degree apprentices had on your business?
Degree apprentices have had a very positive impact on our teams and live projects. They bring passion, up-to-date academic knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn, which directly inputs back into the workplace. Colleagues’ ability to apply university learning to real construction projects has added value to our commercial and site teams from an early stage and those employees who have completed degree apprenticeships have since gone on to mentor more junior colleagues as they embark on their own careers with the business.
How do you support apprentices to succeed at work and at university?
We have strong support structures in place to help apprentices balance work and studies. This includes dedicated line managers and mentors, regular progress reviews, protected study time, and flexibility around key academic deadlines. We also work closely with Northumbria University to ensure apprentices receive consistent support both academically and professionally.
How have degree apprenticeships supported staff retention and career development?
Degree apprenticeships have significantly improved staff retention by creating clear, structured career pathways within the organisation. Apprentices develop loyalty to the business as they progress through their studies, and upon completion, they are well placed to move into more senior or specialist roles. This helps us to build a skilled, committed workforce that we know we can rely on in the long-term.
What advice would you give to other construction employers considering degree apprenticeships?
At Esh, we strongly encourage other employers to consider degree apprenticeships as a strategic investment rather than a short-term solution. While there is a commitment involved, the benefits in terms of skills development, staff loyalty, retainment, and business continuity far outweigh the challenges. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to upskill your workforce whilst learning on the job.
Why have you chosen to partner with Northumbria University?
Northumbria University has proven to be a strong and reliable partner for delivering degree apprenticeships. Its understanding of the construction industry, high-quality academic delivery, and excellent communication with employers ensure apprentices are well supported throughout their programme. The close partnership gives us confidence that our apprentices are receiving relevant, industry-focused education.
Discover more about our Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveying) Degree Apprenticeship here:
Quantity Surveying BSc | Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship | Northumbria
