- 18 Aug 2025
We believe that investing in our people is the key to our continued success. From offering a diverse range of apprenticeships to supporting career moves across the business, we're committed to helping every team member achieve their full potential.
As we celebrate Exam Results Week, we’re proud to share stories like Oliver's, showcasing how our supportive environment, hands-on training, and development opportunities create meaningful pathways for growth.
At M Group, our commitment goes beyond simply offering jobs, we provide a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Discover how we’re helping Oliver to build a rewarding career every step of the way.
What has your experience been like as an apprentice?
I started as an apprentice in September 2024, and so far, I’ve loved my time working in Water. My team has been so accommodating, and they are always willing to take a minute to explain processes and show me the ropes.
If I could offer other graduates and apprentices in the business any advice, it would be to ask as many questions as possible, if you don’t know, just ask, people are more willing to help you learn than you think!
Before this role, I was a bricklayer in the Yorkshire area, so this job is a new challenge compared to what I was used to - I’m still early on in my career, but I am on the route for progression here.
Some days I will be in the office catching up with emails or working on projects with my team. Some days I will be carrying out college work and other days I will be out on site. Most of my college course is done online, so I have one day a week attending virtual lessons - no two days are the same for me.
Have you completed any other training or courses contributing to your professional development at M Group?
I’ve completed a New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) supervisors’ course. This course helped me develop my knowledge for the safe management of street works, covering aspects from excavation to the essential details of signing and lighting.
I’ve also completed an Energy & Utility Skills (EUSR) Utility Excavation category 3-5 course. This course combined theory and practical training that included: installing, inspecting, and removing support systems, interpreting utility drawings, identifying excavation hazards, communicating data and a refresher on environmental guidelines.
I also recently attended an accident investigation course too, which gave me some useful tips into how to examine adverse situations.
I’m proud to be part of an organisation that invests in our professional development, and at this point in my career I want to absorb and learn as much about the water industry as I can.
Are you involved in any of our network programmes?
I’ve joined the Early Careers Network Board to help bring new ideas forward. We meet twice a month and plan and deliver sessions for the rest of the Early Careers Network. Recently, our Water MD ran a session on how to make the most of the opportunities you’re offered when you’re young.
I’m also part of the water wellbeing focus group. Mental health in the infrastructure industry is often overlooked, but I believe we should do as much as possible to look after ourselves and look out for others. This network is a great way to get tips to identify when you, or someone around you, is struggling. It’s been great because it’s given me tools I can use at home with friends and family too.
What keeps you motivated in your role?
As I work mainly in Safety, Health and Environment (SHE), I would say that knowing I have responsibility is what keeps me coming back to work every day. As part of my role, I do what I can to help make sure everyone goes home from work in the condition they arrived.
Our jobs can be demanding, the team I am part of does a great job at making sure we all go home feeling like we’ve made a difference that day and go home safe. Safety and working together are big motivators. I also have a young son who keeps me going and makes me want to better myself each day. Most days, I can’t wait to go home and spend the evenings with him, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Thank you, Oliver, for sharing some of your experiences with us and welcome to our M Group 'hall of fame''.
Start your journey with us today! Learn more about our apprenticeship programmes and register your interest!