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New Talent Joins Award-Winning Building Student Programme

Ava Carroll and Liam McLaughlin are the latest students to join Russell WBHO’s award-winning Building Student Programme.

Making up our 2026 cohort, the newest recruits have been welcomed to the business this week after being selected from more than 295 applicants – one of the highest volumes of applications Russell WBHO has received for the programme.

Our Building Student Programme offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the construction industry, combining full-time employment with a part-time degree at the University of Salford. Tailored to enable our students to experience a wide range of construction disciplines through their first two years, they then specialise in their chosen area from Year 3 onwards.

Ava and Liam will gain experience across Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, HSEQ, Design Management and Building Services, joining several students from previous years’ intake who are also progressing through the 5-year programme.

Both students have been individually paired with mentors who began their own journeys through the Building Student Programme and since, graduating, are progressing their careers at Russell WBHO. Ava and Liam will receive first-hand support from their mentors, providing plenty of guidance throughout the programme and sharing their own experience of building a successful career in construction.

John Millward, Construction Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ava and Liam to this year’s Building Student Programme. The programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience across different areas of the construction industry while developing their academic knowledge. We’re looking forward to supporting them throughout their time with Russell WBHO and seeing them grow into the next generation of construction professionals.”

Ava will start in the Site Engineering department, working in Warrington at one of our Village Hotel schemes.

When catching up with Ava, she said: “I’m really looking forward to starting the programme and gaining practical experience within the construction industry. In particular, learning more about Quantity Surveying and developing new skills and experience throughout the apprenticeship course.”

Outside of studying, Ava enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Liam will be based at head office, under the Pre-Construction department for the first 3 months and said:

“I’m excited to meet my new colleagues and take the first step into my career. I’m looking forward to learning about the practical and academic aspects of construction and seeing the industry from a range of perspectives.”

When he is not studying, Liam enjoys an active lifestyle, going to the gym 4-5 times a week and running at least once a week. He also likes to spend time socialising with his friends.

The reputation of Russell WBHO’s Building Student Programme continues to grow, with the business having been named ‘Best Large Employer’ at the University of Salford’s Apprenticeship Awards three times – most recently taking home the award this year.

This latest achievement highlights Russell WBHO’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of construction professionals, providing students with valuable industry experience alongside their university studies.

Our next intake for the Building Student Programme will be in September 2027, with applications opening in Q4 2026.