Building futures through apprenticeships

A County Durham-based construction, civil engineering and property services firm is using apprenticeships as a long-term strategy to attract, develop and retain talent across its workforce.

At the heart of that approach is Beth Swainston, training manager at Esh Group, whose own career reflects the pathways the company now promotes. 

Having joined Esh Group as an apprentice in 2015, Beth progressed through Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications before moving into a training role and now oversees the full apprenticeship cycle across the organisation. 

Alongside her role at Esh, she is continuing her own development through a foundation degree in business and management at New College Durham.

She said: “I’ve been the person trying to keep up with work, college deadlines, and life - that helps when supporting young people who are just starting out.”

Esh’s apprenticeship planning begins each spring, with opportunities identified across the business and promoted through partnerships with regional colleges including New College Durham and East Durham College. 

These relationships help ensure roles reach suitable candidates, with some providers supporting pre-interview screening.

For project-based roles, Esh prioritises recruiting locally, aligning apprenticeship opportunities with wider social value commitments and supporting employment in communities close to live sites.

Once apprentices join, a structured support framework is in place. 

Each apprentice is paired with a mentor, with geography and role requirements considered, while regular reviews with training providers help track progress and identify any additional support needs.

Retention and progression are key measures of success, with many apprentices moving into trainee, assistant and fully qualified roles. 

Degree apprenticeships, delivered with partners such as Northumbria University, increasingly form part of longer-term career pathways.

As Esh prepares to launch its 2026 apprenticeship opportunities during National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15), Beth’s journey highlights how apprenticeships can offer a flexible and sustainable route into long-term careers, shaped by the right support, environment and mindset.

She added: “Be honest and prepared – research the role, understand what you’re applying for, and avoid repeating generic lines you think employers want to hear.

“We’re not expecting people to be experts at 16. 

“We’re looking for curiosity, commitment, and enthusiasm. 

“Skills can be taught – you just need the right attitude.”

To find out about apprenticeships at Esh Group, see here.

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