Home » News » Investing in Future Talent: SES Hosts First Apprentice Engagement Event at Durham University
At SES, our purpose is clear: to reimagine places for people to thrive. That ambition extends far beyond the environments we create – it’s rooted in the way we support, develop, and invest in our people.
On 14 May 2026, we brought that commitment to life by hosting our first apprentice engagement event at Durham University, marking a major step forward in how we connect with and support our future workforce.
The event also coincided with the inauguration of Jonathan Sims as Visiting Professor at Durham University, reinforcing our belief in the power of collaboration between industry and academia to shape the next generation of talent.
Creating Space for Growth, Connection, and Opportunity
The event welcomed 15 Level 3 trade apprentices from our Central and North regions for a full day of:
Panel discussions with industry leaders
Open networking sessions
A guided university tour
More importantly, it created space for something we value deeply at SES: genuine connection.
For many attendees, it was the first time they had engaged collectively as a cohort – sharing experiences, asking questions, and exploring the breadth of opportunities available to them.
“A number of apprentices attended what was a really fantastic day. I have to say, they were a credit to themselves and to SES. The engagement, the curiosity, and the quality of questions asked on the day was something I was genuinely proud to see.”
Dr Jonathan Sims
Business Improvement Director
Strengthening the Future Through People Investment
This event forms part of a wider commitment to invest in our people at every stage of their career.
Like many organisations across construction and engineering, SES is navigating an evolving talent landscape shaped by:
Ongoing skills shortages across the sector
The need to retain highly trained apprentices at qualification stage
Feedback highlighting the need for stronger communication and engagement, particularly within early careers
We know that apprentices represent the future of our business – not just as skilled tradespeople, but as future leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.
That’s why initiatives like this are essential. They demonstrate that SES is not only a place to start a career, but a place to build one.
Inspiring Careers Beyond the Trade
A key theme throughout the day was showcasing the breadth of career pathways available within SES and the wider industry.
Through a series of open conversations and a fireside-style discussion featuring Professor Kieran Fernandes and Dr Carol Massay, apprentices were able to:
Hear real career journeys from senior leaders
Explore opportunities beyond traditional trade routes
Gain insight into how academia and industry intersect
Build confidence in shaping their own long-term careers
“It was a privilege to spend the day alongside Dr Jonathan Sims and Professor Kieran Fernandes sharing our individual career journeys, experiences, challenges, and opportunities within the industry with SES apprentices. What stood out most was the energy in the room. Sitting together over lunch, having open conversations, listening to ambitions, and hearing different perspectives from some of the future talent of our industry was genuinely inspiring. Creating space for apprentices and early careers professionals to connect with leaders, ask questions, and see the breadth of opportunity available across construction and engineering is how we continue to strengthen the future of our sector.”
Dr Carol Massay
Founder, Unity for Construction
Building an Employer of Choice
Events like this are also a critical part of how we position SES as an employer of choice.
By providing meaningful experiences, visibility of leadership, and access to learning environments like Durham University, we’re reinforcing that:
SES listens to and values its people
We are committed to long-term development, not just short-term roles
We actively support career progression, mobility, and growth
We are building a culture where people feel connected, recognised, and empowered
This aligns directly with our recruitment ambition – to attract and retain the best talent in the industry by offering not just jobs, but purpose-driven careers.
Looking Ahead
The Durham event represents just the beginning. It is the first step in a broader programme to:
Increase engagement across our apprentice and early careers community
Strengthen retention at key career milestones
Deepen our partnerships with academic institutions
Continue creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and thrive
At SES, we believe that when we invest in people, we strengthen not only our business but the entire industry.
Because reimagining places for people to thrive starts with ensuring our own people can do exactly that.
