“Nobody can take away my qualifications and what I’ve learned. You’re earning while you’re learning, gaining that experience, gaining that trust of the company and then they provide you with the job. It’s basically starting starting you off with a career, starting you off with your life, really.”
John-meets-Equan-apprentices
That’s what John Healey heard from two young apprentices on a recent visit to local employer, Equans.
Jamie Kelly is an apprentice with Equans as a Quantity Surveyor. He started off with Equans as a commercial assistant, and then after a year of being a commercial assistant, his manager offered him the chance to become a trainee quantity surveyor.
Ateeb Mughal is in the fourth year of an apprenticeship with Equans to be a gas engineer. He has always had family members who have always been hands on working in construction industry. His uncle was a plasterer and his granddad was a joiner. Ateeb values the experience of learning and developing in a working environment, emphasising the value of gaining practical, hands-on experience alongside formal learning.
John Healey said

“The Government is determined to support apprenticeships as a key route to opening up opportunities for young people and driving growth in every postcode.”

“Bursaries worth up to £4,500 per year per household are removing a barrier that can otherwise discourage young people from taking up an apprenticeship, helping them build the skills and independence that lead to long-term, well-paid work.”

“Boosting the number of college places, alongside much-needed additional capacity in sixth form colleges and 16 to 19 academies, is a key part of the Government’s push to end the snobbery around hands-on learning. We want technical education to be valued every bit as highly as the academic route, so every young person can choose the pathway that is right for them.”

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said:

“Right now, South Yorkshire, and Rotherham in particular, is alive with opportunity. We’re seeing real momentum across sectors, yet many of the high‑skilled jobs of the future haven’t even been defined or created yet. That’s the exciting part. It means there is untapped talent here, and apprenticeships can open the door to roles we can’t fully imagine today. What a brilliant position for young people to be in, stepping into sectors that are growing, evolving, and ready for them to shape.”