Meet Phoebe, an apprentice at our Hengrove project

This National Apprenticeship Week, we are introducing Phoebe, 19, an apprentice on our Hengrove project. We’re developing 53 council homes here with The Hill Group, using an innovative steel frame method of construction. And Phoebe is working at the heart it.

Phoebe started her three-year, level four site supervisor apprenticeship in January with Fusion Steel Framing, who create each steel-framed room in their midlands factory, before being craned into position on the site.

We asked Phoebe about her journey from business studies to building homes, and how this apprenticeship has been the ideal springboard into a perfect career.

“I’ve always been interested in property, and I love watching home renovation programmes with my mum, so maybe it was always meant to be! But I never considered a career in construction would suit me so well, until now.”

When I left college after my BTEC in Business, university didn’t feel right for me. I’ve never liked exams and knew I wanted to learn on the job.

I thought about project management but after working desk jobs straight after college, I quickly realised I didn’t want a classic 9 to 5. I love being outside. I love variety. And I enjoy seeing results.

So, when I saw this opportunity, I jumped at it. I didn’t realise how innovative the build would be, and how quickly whole rooms and floors would be created – so it’s been a fascinating learning curve. And it’s so rewarding to see progress being made so quickly.

I love that each day is different, from site walks to quality checks, team briefings to checking deliveries. I work with different subcontractors, as well as a huge lifting crane, to help manage the five-storey build. The experience is exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure!

I’ve been incredibly well supported and I’m learning a huge amount from the team. The networking and progression opportunities are endless. I’m already gaining new skills and confidence, and I know I will grow as a person too. Thank you to everyone who has helped make 2025 the start of a new and exciting career”

Phoebe started her three-year, level four site supervisor apprenticeship in January with Shared Apprenticeships, in partnership with Fusion Steel Framing.

Phoebe is part of a team of Bristol apprentices who work with for a local not for profit, Shared Apprenticeships. Shared Apprenticeships is a Department for Education approved flexi-job apprenticeship agency and offers the ‘CITB Shared Service’ in the South West. It provides the placements, support, and mentoring for its apprentices, and aims to create additional career opportunities and attract a diverse range of people into construction.

National Apprenticeships Week is a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. There are an incredible 700 apprenticeship standards across all levels. And 93% apprentices that achieve go into work or further training.

Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week.