Clancy – Case Study


Clancy made the strategic decision to actively engage with apprentices in the field of engineering back in 2012. This initiative is driven by the pressing need for skilled engineers in building services, civil engineering, and structural engineering. It’s also driven by our commitment to making a lasting difference in the industry by inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Over the last 11 years we’ve welcomed 24 apprentices, the contributions of each over the years have been pivotal to the continuous growth of our business. In fact, our first two apprentices remain with us 11 years after starting their apprenticeship journey. From day one Poppy Burgess and Robyn Clancy were both a complete breath of fresh air. As our first apprentices, it was a whole new world to us as a business too. Both were so eager to learn, they changed the dynamic in the teams around them. Poppy was 16 years old when she started, and now she is a degree-qualified Structural Engineer EngTech MICE, TIStructE. Robyn is an MEng degree-qualified Electrical Engineer. It’s been a pleasure to watch them both flourish and develop into their roles, now offering mentoring roles themselves to younger members of the team.

All apprentices at Clancy benefit from mentoring and one-to-one training with a team of experienced and respected professionals from all levels within our business. We support both professional and personal development with internal training and opportunities to continue further education through a variety of industry recognised qualifications. We’re proud to have been recognised for our commitment to training and development with the Investors in People Silver Award.

We have found each apprentice has brought fresh perspectives and skills, revitalising our workforce. The evolution of apprenticeships over the years has been remarkable, proving to be an excellent launchpad for aspiring professionals. Starting with a BTEC Level 3, our apprentices have the opportunity to progress to a Level 4 or directly to a Degree Apprenticeship Level 6, depending on their results and career goals.

We’ve observed that many apprentices find it advantageous to complete the Level 4 before progressing to Level 6, considering the substantial leap in complexity. Opting for the Level 4 not only prepares them better but also allows them to accelerate a year in the degree course. Those pursuing degree apprenticeships, having initially started with a BTEC, graduate with 7 years of experience compared to traditional graduates with the same qualifications.

While the apprenticeship journey demands commitment and dedication, the long-term benefits are extraordinary. Apprentices earn while they work, obtain equivalent qualifications, and accrue valuable work experience. Witnessing the growth of our apprentices in skills, knowledge, and confidence has been immensely rewarding.

Our apprenticeship program is strengthened by our partnership with Stegta, a valuable resource for recruiting and training. Our HR Director, Jane Milligan, took an active role with the Technical Apprenticeship Consortium (TAC) back in 2012 and became involved with the regional meetings for several years. She continues to be a member of the TAC National Group.

Talking about apprentices at Clancy, Jane commented:
“Apprentices have brought so much to our business. Having a vast amount to learn, they in turn reverse mentor with ideas around the latest technology and straightforward methods of task delivery. They also nurture our relationship-building skills, improve our sustainability knowledge, and have an enthusiasm that is infectious. It takes commitment and resilience to manage a degree along with working, but the benefits are outweighed when you put into immediate practice what you have learnt and get paid for doing so.”

Using Stegta’s services has proven highly beneficial for our small HR team. They assist in the recruitment process, handling the initial shortlisting of candidates and ensuring that those recommended possess the necessary qualifications for the course. The passion demonstrated by the training officers at Stegta is evident in the success and progress of our apprentices, making this partnership an integral part of our talent development strategy.

Today we have 6 apprentices, all at various stages of their apprenticeship journey and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for them!

For more information about Apprenticeships with STEGTA please contact us on: 0161 877 4078.