Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Charlie Gardener shares his week of hands-on experience with Russell WBHO.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve welcomed Charlie Gardener, our latest work experience candidate, to enjoy an action-packed week with Russell WBHO. Over the past week, Charlie has gained a plethora of real-life experience, getting involved in all aspects of our teams, from Quantity Surveying to Engineering and Health and Safety to Project Management. Based across several of our live sites and our headquarters, Charlie has gained hands-on experience and plenty of skills for life that he can take into his future career – hopefully, one in the construction industry.
But don’t just take it from us, here’s Charlie’s diary during his week with Russell WBHO:
Day 1:
On my first day with Russell WBHO, I was introduced to Rob, the Assistant Project Manager, who took me to the Village Hotel in Leeds. I met the project team, attended my induction and then went on a walk around the site with the Engineers, Harry and Emily, who is a Year 2 building student. During this, I got to see the activities that took place on site and some of the challenges when setting up a new project. I then joined the weekly team meeting where logistics, programming, safety and procurement were discussed, helping me understand the individual activities and their order. Following this, I was shown the fire boarding installation and got the chance to use the total station setting out laser with Harry. Finishing the day, I attended a ‘lessons learnt’ M&E meeting, where we discussed items that could be improved, based on previous projects. I really enjoyed my day in Leeds, picking up some key new skills.
Day 2:
Day 2 began in Russell WBHO’s head office in Manchester with a Senior Design Manager, Mark. He showed me a wide range of projects he’s worked on over the past few years, the RIBA Plan of Work, alongside its various stages, and the planning portal where I got to see proposed and completed works in specific areas. I found this very interesting as I got to see how design is developed through its various stages, using different design software, including CAD. In the afternoon, I went to the Mere with Lydia, the Health and Safety Manager. We went on a safety audit, highlighting various examples of safety practices, emphasising the importance of not ignoring items that could be improved, and engaging with the operatives along the way. Back in the site office, Lydia explained the importance of risk assessments for the workplace to control hazards and tasked me with producing my own risk assessment for everyday responsibilities – like making a cup of tea! The real-life example helped me understand the basic risk assessment structure and control measures to keep safe.
Day 3:
I went to the Village Hotel in Solihull on the third day, which is currently undergoing an extension, due to be completed in the next few months. Rob gave me a tour of the project, showing me the progression on each floor and a nearly completed room on the fourth floor, where I was introduced to snagging to ensure the best possible finish. I then attended a client meeting where the team briefed the hotel’s General Manager on their 4-week lookahead programme. This was really enjoyable, and I got to see how the construction works could interface with the hotel. The Site Manager, Megan, gave me an in-depth tour of the site, focusing on the M&E installation and its importance. I was then taken to the roof, where I was shown the plant and how much careful planning is required to ensure the completed building functions correctly. I spent a little time with John Millward, the Construction Director, who was visiting Solihull that day, who quizzed me on my time with the business so far.
Day 4:
On Thursday, I went back to the Mere, where I met Colin and Lizzy, both of whom are Quantity Surveyors. They explained their roles and responsibilities; one of them works closely with the client, and the other works closely with the supply chain. After this, we took a walk around the site, and they pointed out the original plan and compared this to the changes the client had made throughout the project. It was interesting to see how a project can be designed and changed partway through the programme, helping me understand the effects of the work required. I was shown the floor plans of several rooms and then shown how to calculate the price per M2 of different areas, based on the floor plans.
Day 5:
Last, but not least, I went to Hollinwood Junction in Oldham and was introduced to Joe, the Site Manager, who briefed me on the site. The Site Engineer, Mike, and James, a current Year 1 build student on his engineering rotation, took me on site to see the current works. I got to see the steel erection and groundworks, which were really interesting to understand on a different type of project. They explained the importance of their engineering roles, and I was shown the equipment, how it worked and its uses. I got involved in setting up the EDM using its laser function checking the pre-cast stairs that had recently been installed. Joe took me on a site walk and explained the importance of the site set up, including fencing, welfare, walkways and exclusion zones, alongside Russell WBHO’s key procedures. I enjoyed this a lot, as I was able to reflect on my time with Lydia and what I learnt on previous sites.
17-year-old Charlie is currently studying his AS levels at college and has expressed a strong interest in joining the construction industry, following in his Grandad’s footsteps in the industry. Keen to explore a wide range of roles and identify where his interests lie most, he immersed himself in several valuable roles during the week, making the most of every opportunity and gaining valuable insight into the breadth of the industry.
John Millward, Construction Director, said: “It was a pleasure welcoming Charlie to the company for the week. Despite the early starts most mornings, it was clear that he thoroughly enjoyed his busy schedule, showed enthusiasm for his roles and responsibilities and grew noticeably in confidence and character. Supporting young people entering the industry is incredibly important to us, and we are committed to enhancing their learning through real-life, practical experiences.”
Charlie sent his thanks to all the teams: “I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to carry out my work experience with Russell WBHO and providing such a varied and interesting placement. I really enjoyed the week and feel I’ve gained valuable insight into the construction industry”.
Russell WBHO has been supporting young people into the construction industry for over 20 years through its award-winning Building Student Programme. The five-year professional apprenticeship offers on-the-job training alongside a fully funded, part-time degree with Salford University. Applications for the next intake of the Building Student Programme will open in October 2026.
