For more than 15 years, our partnership with The City of Liverpool College has helped support the career development of aspiring tradespeople and engineers across Liverpool and the region. As a company, we are proud to support apprentices from the college and provide work placements that help them develop practical skills and industry knowledge. Our relationship with the college is a testament to the values we hold dear—supporting quality education and nurturing long-lasting partnerships
The connection we have with the college is not only professional but also personal for our leadership team. Craig Barton, our Managing Director of Construction and Transport, and Keith Roberts, Group Managing Director, both began their careers at this very institution. Their journeys through the college’s City & Guilds Plumbing and Advanced Craft Plumbing courses, followed by further studies in Building Services Engineering, have deeply influenced their careers and their commitment to developing the future workforce.
From Apprentice to Leader: Keith and Craig’s Journeys
Keith and Craig began their journeys at The City of Liverpool College in the late 1980s. At that time, the college’s facilities may have been a bit worn, but they were rich with character and an immersive learning environment that brought out the best in students. Craig recalls, “The buildings were not like today’s modern teaching institutions—they were in disrepair, but that added to the adventure. Our tutors were hands-on and taught us the old skills that form the backbone of the trade.” Keith adds, “Those years were challenging, an eight-year apprenticeship journey combined with day-release engineering courses, but it prepared me for a diverse career and gave me the work ethic I rely on to this day.”
These years of study were more than an education in technical skills; they were a launching pad into a thriving industry. Keith says, “Learning a trade alongside peers from some of Liverpool’s top building firms created a close-knit community. Many of us stayed in touch, and those friendships and industry connections are still going strong.” Craig also fondly remembers the support he received from an influential lecturer who saw his potential early on: “That lecturer instilled confidence in me and encouraged me to push myself. I want today’s students to have those same kinds of experiences and the support to excel.”
Supporting Today’s Apprentices in Modern Facilities
The City of Liverpool College has since transformed. With state-of-the-art facilities and new initiatives like the North West Net Zero Hub’s Test and Learn Retrofit Skills Programme, the college is now a leader in training for the sustainable skills needed in today’s construction industry. Recent funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has enabled the college to develop a Heat Pump Centre of Excellence, a pioneering space that will equip students with skills in renewable energy technologies. As Merseyside aims to lead in green skills training, we are proud that our own apprentices are learning in a high-quality environment that aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
We currently support four apprentices at the college who are studying in diverse areas, from plumbing and gas engineering to electrical installation and business administration:
Through our collaboration with the college, we aim to provide each of them with a well-rounded experience that combines formal education with hands-on application in the workplace. We have seen firsthand the importance of building a bridge between education and employment, and we believe these apprenticeships are critical to the future of our industry.
A Vision for the Future
As a company, we know that supporting talent and maintaining strong ties with educational institutions like The City of Liverpool College are crucial for the construction industry’s sustainability and growth. Craig and Keith’s journeys serve as inspiration, and through our continued partnership, we strive to give students the same foundations that have been so vital in our own careers. We look forward to seeing the next generation of engineers, technicians, and tradespeople thrive, equipped with both time-honoured skills and cutting-edge knowledge in green technology.
As Keith aptly put it, “It’s a gift to be a skilled tradesperson in a time of deepening skills shortages. Watching young people learn and grow, knowing that we’re helping to prepare them for a fulfilling career in a thriving industry, brings it all full circle.” This partnership, rooted in shared experiences and forward-thinking values, is a cornerstone of our commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.
