Continuing our National Apprenticeship Week series, we’re pleased to introduce James Ward, a Senior Policy, Project & Assurance Engineer at Warwickshire County Council. James shares how being part of the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group has as enabled him to collaborate with fellow apprentices, industry leaders and professionals from across the country, broadening his perspective and strengthening his impact within the highways sector.
Q. What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship over another career or education pathway?
A. I chose an apprenticeship because it offered the unique blend of practical, hands-on experience and structured learning. Rather than studying in isolation, I was able to apply what I learned directly to real projects from day one. The highways sector in particular benefits from learning in a live environment, where you can see the impact of your work and understand how engineering, policy, and delivery interact in practice.
An apprenticeship also provided me a clear pathway into a long-term career, industry recognised qualifications, and opportunities to build meaningful professional connections early on.
Q., How do you manage balancing work responsibilities with training and study commitments?
A. Balancing work and study requires good organisation and communication. I set aside dedicated study time each week and make sure deadlines are planned well in advance so that neither work nor learning suffers. Clear communication with my manager has also been essential, they understand the importance of the training element and help prioritise workloads when necessary.
Q. How has being part of the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group supported your personal and professional development
A. Being part of the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group has broadened my perspective beyond my day-to-day role. It has given me the chance to collaborate with other apprentices, industry leaders, and other professionals across the country.
Through the group, I’ve honed my communication, and leadership skills by contributing to meetings, sharing ideas, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for future apprentices. It has also strengthened my understanding of national challenges and innovation within the highways sector, helping me develop a more strategic and future focused mindset.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in the highways sector?
A. My advice is to go for it. The highways sector is incredibly diverse, with opportunities in engineering, maintenance, asset management, street lighting, digital technology, and more. An apprenticeship lets you explore these areas while building valuable real-world experience.
Be curious, ask questions, and take advantage of every learning opportunity, whether that’s shadowing colleagues, joining task groups, or engaging with industry events. Most importantly, don’t worry about knowing everything at the start. The sector is full of supportive professionals who are invested in wanting to help you succeed.
A huge thank you to James for sharing his apprenticeship journey with us.
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