Continuing our National Apprenticeship Week series, we’re pleased to introduce Eleanor Hockenhull, an Apprentice Civil Engineer at A E Yates. Eleanor shares what inspired her to choose the apprenticeship route and how she balances work and study.
Eleanor was also highly commended at the 2025 DfT Special Recognition Apprenticeship Awards, receiving recognition in the Inspirational Apprentice category.
Q. What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship over another career or education pathway?
A. I was inspired to choose an apprenticeship because it offers a strong balance between practical learning and structured classroom education. I have always learned more effectively by applying theory into real-world situations, and my apprenticeship allows me to develop technical skills on site while reinforcing my understanding through study.
Unlike full-time education, the apprenticeship route provided me with a direct and purposeful way to learn, as I do not find full-time education to be engaging or suited to me. Being on site has given me an early exposure to industry standards, real projects, and professional working environments – helping me to understand how civil engineering principles are applied in practice.
The opportunity to earn while learning, gain work experience, and receive guidance from professionals made the apprenticeship a clear pathway for me. It has given me a career direction, improved my confidence, and helped me to develop technically and professionally.
Q. How do you manage balancing work responsibilities with training and study commitments?
A. I manage the balance between work responsibilities and training by maintaining good organisation and time management. I plan my workload and prioritise my tasks. By ensuring I set aside dedicated time for studying, I can meet deadlines without affecting my performance at work.
Having clear communication with my employer and training provider is essential. I always raise any clashes or pressures early to manage expectations and get the correct support I need.
I remain flexible and disciplined, using quieter periods at work or in my personal time to catch up on any coursework when needed. Maintaining a structured routine allows me to stay motivated and consistently meet both my work and study commitments.
Q. How has being part of the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group supported your personal and professional development?
A. Being a part of the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group has supported my personal and professional development by giving me the opportunity to engage with other industry professionals and apprentices beyond my day-to-day role. It has helped me to gain a broader understanding of the civil engineering sector and the importance of apprenticeships within the industry.
Through involvement in the group, I have developed my communication and confidence, particularly when contributing to discussions, sharing experiences, and representing the apprentice perspective. This has improved my ability to articulate ideas clearly in a professional setting.
The task group has also enhanced my professional awareness by exposing me to industry initiatives and challenges. This has encouraged me to think more strategically about not only my own career development, but those of other apprentices and the wider impact of skills and training.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in the highways sector?
A. My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the highways sector would be to be proactive and open to learning. Asking questions is essential as it shows interest and will help you to build understanding.
It is important to put yourself out there and take every opportunity offered. Whether it’s getting involved in different projects, attending training, or learning from experienced professionals, do it all! These experiences will support both your personal and professional development.
Do not be afraid to get things wrong – everyone makes mistakes! Making these mistakes is part of the learning process, and apprenticeships provide a supportive environment to learn from them. Taking feedback positively and using it to improve will help to build your confidence, competence, and resilience.
A huge thank you to Eleanor for sharing her apprenticeship journey with us.
Stay tuned as we will be introducing members of our Apprenticeship Task Group throughout the week.
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