William Hare, an ECIA member, is Europe’s largest independent structural steelwork contractor, specialising in engineering, fabricating, and erecting steel structures. With a long-standing presence in the UK market and a skilled workforce of over 1,000, the company invests heavily in developing future talent through its award-winning Early Careers Programme. This program offers Level 3 to 6 apprenticeships, internships, graduate roles, and MSc sponsorship (covering 80% of university fees). Participants benefit from paid employment, comprehensive career development, and nationally recognised qualifications, with the prospect of a permanent role upon completion.
Currently, 13% of William Hare’s workforce participates in their “earn and learn” schemes, earning the company a double platinum award from the 5% Club and the 5% Club’s Employer of the Year award (a membership of employers committed to such opportunities). Seventy percent of these trainees are based in workshops and manufacturing sites, acquiring in-demand manual and trade skills vital to the UK engineering construction industry. While attracting young workers is challenging, William Hare boasts an impressive retention rate of over 90%.
Their retention strategy begins from day one. Every employee is enrolled in an employee assistance program, and trainees are supported in earning additional qualifications, charterships, or memberships in relevant professional bodies. The company fosters a strong sense of community through social events, site visits, and sports tournaments. Trainees are also nominated for internal and national awards, and their success is remarkable. Recent accolades include the 2024 UK Craft Metals Apprentice of the Year, 2023 Youngest Chartered Surveyor of the Year, 2023 Lord Derwent Award for Effort and Achievement, and 2023 Quantity Surveying Apprentice of the Year. These achievements, coupled with employer recognition, instil pride and reinforce trainees’ career choices.
William Hare’s dedication to apprenticeships and their history of career progression from apprentice to senior roles has earned them a UK Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer award. “A large number of our senior team and managers started their careers as apprentices on the shop floor, which gives our learners a clear vision of job security and growth prospects,” explains Ema Marinho, Early Careers Lead. Ms. Marinho’s dedicated support for learners, along with on-site mentors and a Practical Skills Lead, ensures individual guidance throughout the training experience. This personalised and intimate approach is crucial in larger organisations, where young learners can easily get lost, significantly contributing to retention.
Through partnerships with universities and training providers, William Hare offers internships and placements, providing up to 12 months of hands-on experience on projects like the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. The high return rate of these interns to full-time employment after graduation underscores the value of these experiences. Henry Longstaff, Assistant Project Manager and former intern, shares: “My placement at William Hare provided invaluable hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to real-world projects and a collaborative work environment, which made a lasting impression. Following my degree, I was fortunate to receive an offer to return.”
Kirsty Brennan, Head of HR and Training, and her team actively engage in youth outreach in schools, introducing careers in engineering construction. “Being involved with schools and colleges to provide career guidance and enriched early careers activities for pupils as young as 11, allows us to showcase the diverse careers available in the engineering, fabrication/welding manufacturing and construction industries,” says Mrs. Brennan. Their recent one-week workshop experience for two young people from Cumbria at their Head Office and Bury facility exemplifies this commitment.
William Hare’s focus on developing future talent through apprenticeships, placements, and youth outreach, combined with individual spotlight, personalised support and clear growth prospects, is essential for attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers in this rapidly growing industry.
