Learning, earning and leading with our apprentices
By Alice Bodill-Maher, Marketing Manager, Structure Tone London
On Thursday 12 February, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week! Welcoming individuals across the business for a Connect and Lunch event.
The event brought together apprentices from across the business, alongside our managing directors Justin Fahy and Matt Blowers, and individuals across our social impact and HR teams.
With apprentices working across a wide range of live projects, the lunch provided a valuable opportunity to connect with peers they might not usually meet. Conversations focused on individual career journeys, projects currently in delivery and how they’re finding their courses alongside day-to-day work.
Having Justin and Matt in the room was a welcome chance for our apprentice team to spend time with the managing directors and hear first-hand about the value of choosing an apprenticeship route. Both spoke openly about how gaining practical experience early on can accelerate development and open up opportunities. Justin shared his own story of starting work at 18 and progressing to a commercial manager position in his mid-20’s, demonstrating how getting into the workplace early can offer a direct and rewarding path into leadership roles.
The discussion also reflected the wider context of growth within Structure Tone. With new projects and expanding teams, it is an exciting time for apprentices to build their experience, take on responsibility and get involved in meaningful work from the outset. The learn while you earn model continues to be a strong draw, combining professional development with real industry exposure.
Former apprentices now in more senior roles also attended, sharing their experiences and offering insight into how their careers have developed. Many of them are now mentoring the next generation, helping to create a supportive environment for those just starting out.
Social Impact Manager, Ella Murphy, highlighted the importance of this collective approach, “It’s amazing for us (in the social impact team) to work alongside so many passionate and enthusiastic members of staff, willing to take time out of their days to support the next generation. It strengthens the support available to new apprentices and reflects the culture we have in this business.”
Beyond apprenticeships, the conversation touched on the wider early careers pipeline. We continue to welcome work experience students and T Level students, many of whom have gone on to secure permanent roles within the company. Despite being at an early stage in their careers, these students are already showing maturity, curiosity and a strong willingness to learn.
Meryn also reflected on the leadership qualities emerging among our apprentices: “Many are taking responsibility for their work and actively supporting younger students, acting as positive role models and helping them settle into the industry. It is encouraging to see this sense of ownership and mentorship developing so early.”
The Connect and Lunch event reinforced the important role apprentices play within the industry today and the impact they will continue to have as they progress in their careers. As of 2026, we are proud to be part of The 5% ClubGo to https://www.5percentclub.org.uk/ – an initiative dedicated to raising the number of apprentices, sponsored students and graduates within businesses. As part of our membership, we are committing to ensuring that over 5% of our total workforce will come from these early careers’ groups within the next five years.
