National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Henry Stephenson

At Caddick Civil Engineering we are privileged to be able to support a number of apprentices and trainees. We understand the importance of supporting the workforce of the future by offering high-quality, hands-on training and experience which will help shape the workforce of the future.

Today we are hearing from Henry Stephenson, our Apprentice Site Engineer, who is currently based at our SOYO project in Leeds.

I started my apprenticeship with Caddick in September 2025, and I’m working towards a Level 4 Civil Engineering Technician qualification at Leeds College of Building. I decided to choose the apprenticeship route as I felt university wasn’t the right fit for me, I felt that gaining real world experience would be a better way to start my career. Being on site and learning through practical experience has helped me understand the industry much more than classroom leaning alone.

Every day on site is different, which is one of the things I really enjoy about my role. I also like meeting new people and learning from others on site, as everyone brings different knowledge and experience. I have also been offered opportunities such as attending apprenticeship lunches and networking events, where it’s great to catch up with other like-minded people and gain additional knowledge from them.

I have regular meetings with my line manager, John Charlesworth, who supports my development and helps guide me throughout my apprenticeship syllabus. I have also been assigned a mentor, Neil Murray - he has also been a big support and offers a different perspective on the role due to his experience in a different job position. This has helped with both my personal and professional development as I progress in my career.

I’m particularly proud of how much I’ve developed since starting my apprenticeship. I feel I have learned a wide range of skills in a relatively short space of time, such as teamwork skills, confidence and leaning the importance of asking for advice and support when I need it.

In the future, I hope to have completed my current course and progress onto a degree level qualification to continue my career in the industry.