At Homes by Carlton, apprenticeships are more than just a route into the industry, they’re a way to build long-term, rewarding careers.
Jessica is an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at Homes by Carlton. Alongside Jessica's role within the business, where she is gaining hands-on experience in the industry, she is studying for a degree in Chartered Quantity Surveying.
Q. What made you choose an apprenticeship?
A. Before leaving college, I wasn’t aware of Quantity Surveying as a career. When I started applying for jobs, I was offered an apprenticeship, which introduced me to the role and allowed me to complete my HNC while working at the same time. I liked being able to learn on the job rather than just in a classroom setting.
The apprenticeship route felt like the right fit for me, as it offered a clear career path while allowing me to earn and gain real experience. Completing my HNC alongside two years of practical experience really helped me secure my position at Homes by Carlton.
After finishing my HNC, I moved on to Homes by Carlton to gain experience in a different area of construction and to start my Chartered Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship. The chance to keep learning while working on high-quality residential projects really appealed to me.
Q. What does your apprenticeship involve?
A. My apprenticeship is a mix of office-based work, site visits and studying for my degree. I’ve found this balance really helpful, as I can apply what I’m learning straight away in my day-to-day work. It’s made everything easier to understand and has helped build my confidence over time.
I’m involved in different stages of projects, including procurement and tendering, contract administration and valuations based on site progress. My favourite part of the role is seeing the quality of the homes we help to deliver and understanding how the Quantity Surveying side contributes to that from start to finish.
Q. How has it been completing your apprenticeship with Homes by Carlton?
A. Overall, my experience has been really positive. There’s always someone willing to help or explain things when needed, which makes a big difference when you’re learning.
I’ve really enjoyed working on Homes by Carlton projects and seeing the standard of homes that are delivered. Being involved in the commercial side and then seeing the finished product is one of the best parts of the role. The support for apprentices and the focus on quality has made it a great place to learn and develop, and it’s confirmed that I made the right decision choosing this career path.
Our Quantity Surveyor Jack began his journey at Homes by Carlton with a placement, before progressing onto and completeing a degree apprenticeship programme.
Q. Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
A. I chose an apprenticeship because I knew I wanted to get hands-on experience straight away, rather than learning everything in a lecture room. It felt like the best fit for the role I was interested in, as it allowed me to earn, learn and build real skills at the same time.
I received advice from lecturers and family members within the industry, and what really appealed to me was the opportunity to gain a qualification while also working in a great job. Looking back, it was the right choice for me, and I found the apprenticeship both challenging and really rewarding.
Q. What did your apprenticeship involve?
A. My apprenticeship involved a mix of day-to-day work in my role and completing off-the-job learning. I was able to apply what I was learning straight away, which helped everything click.
I worked on a range of projects during my apprenticeship, including a development of nine luxury plots. One of my favourite parts was forming strong working relationships with contractors to ensure the product delivered was as expected. This really helped build my confidence and develop skills I still use today.
Q. How has it been completing your apprenticeship with Homes by Carlton?
A. Completing my apprenticeship with Homes by Carlton was a really positive experience. I felt well supported throughout, both by my team and my manager, and there was always someone I could ask for help or guidance.
I really enjoyed working on Homes by Carlton projects during my apprenticeship, particularly the tendering process and build cost management. It made me feel like I was contributing to something meaningful while still learning and developing.
Lynne joined Homes by Carlton as a Senior Site Manager in December 2025, however her career began with an Electrical Apprenticeship which gave her the skills she needed to forge a successful career within the construction industry.
Q. Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
A. I chose an electrical apprenticeship because I wanted a hands-on career where I could learn practical skills while earning at the same time. The role appealed to me as it offered a clear career path, a recognised qualification and strong opportunities for progression. This ultimately enabled me to progress into the role I hold today.
The apprenticeship was a great experience, as I learned from a wide variety of people and no two days were ever the same.
Q. What does your role involve now?
A. I am currently a Senior Site Manager on one of Homes by Carlton's new-build developments of 46 plots. I oversee the day-to-day running of the site and, once the initial groundworks are completed, I coordinate multiple trades. I’m also responsible for ensuring the build programme is maintained and that quality and safety standards are consistently met.
Q. How has your apprenticeship supported your career progression?
A. I started my career as an Electrical Apprentice, learning the trade on site and developing my skills. Over the last 16 years, I’ve continued to learn and take opportunities to further develop my career. From apprentice to Senior Site Manager, I’m now responsible for delivering entire developments safely, on time and to a high standard.
My background as an Electrician played a significant role in getting me to this point. Having a strong understanding of a trade, sequencing and site coordination has helped me manage work more effectively. The technical skills I developed during my apprenticeship gave me a solid foundation, which I’ve continued to build on as my career has progressed. This shows that an apprenticeship isn’t just a starting point – it’s the beginning of something much bigger.
Why Apprenticeships Matter To Homes by Carlton
Megan Moir, HR and Talent Manager at Homes by Carlton, explains why apprenticeships are such an important part of our business:
"At Homes by Carlton, apprenticeships aren’t just a starting point – they are a foundation for skills for life. They enable us to grow talent, build capability and shape the future of our business.
Our apprentices bring fresh ideas, while developing their knowledge, skills and behaviours from day one, kick-starting their careers.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our apprentices have made, both personally and professionally, and the impact they have on our business. Apprenticeships add real value to our culture and our future – they’re not just a qualification, they build skills for life."
National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate the value apprentices bring to our business and to highlight the long-term opportunities that apprenticeships can offer within the construction industry.
If you’re considering a career in housebuilding, an apprenticeship could be the first step towards a future full of opportunity.