At CGP, our staff are the heart of what we do, and that starts with investing in the next generation. That is why we marked National Apprenticeship Week 2026 by sharing our apprenticeship journey.

We introduced our Level 3 Building Services Technician apprentice Ted and explained how our unique rotation program helps apprentices find their specialism, engaged with hundreds of young people at the Leeds Apprenticeship Fair, and heard from our Head of Energy & Sustainability about why apprenticeships strengthen our whole team.

Introducing Ted

At the beginning of the week, we introduced Ted, our Level 3 Building Services Technician apprentice. He has been with us for just over 6 months.

Having played on the same rugby team as Ted for the last two years, our BIM Associate Dan Fletcher spoke with him about what we do at CGP and the opportunity to become an apprentice with us. Ted came into the office for a week of work experience to see if he would like the job and if the company would be the right fit for him.

We were delighted with his attitude and willingness to learn during that week, and how quickly he became part of the team, so we offered him the apprenticeship at the end of that week.

A day in the life

We understand that an apprentice will usually come into a business not fully understanding the roles available or what they might like to do going forward.

To help them with this, during their first year as an apprentice at CGP, we rotate them through each of our departments, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy & Sustainability and BIM (Building Information Modelling).

They spend 3 months within each department and at the end of the year, they have a much better understanding of where they would like to specialise.

They learn technical skills such as CAD and Revit design and work alongside experienced engineers to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of each role. They also develop essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Leeds Apprenticeship Fair

Wednesday saw CGP exhibiting at the Apprenticeship Fair held at first direct arena, Leeds. We were blown away by the sheer volume of people in attendance and those that came to speak with us.

While building services design wasn’t something most of them were aware of when they approached us, we had engaging conversations with numerous young people (and their parents) about what we do and how we do it.

This sparked real interest in many of those that we spoke to and we have received several expressions of interest in our apprenticeship roles.

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The value of apprenticeships

Apprenticeships aren’t just about the students; they strengthen our whole team.

Our Head of Energy & Sustainability and apprentice mentor, Russell Entwistle, shares why having apprentices on the team is a positive experience.

“Apprenticeships give companies the opportunity to bring in the future generation and bridge their skills gap. With the apprentices at the early stage of their careers, they quickly learn and adapt to the company’s ethos and core values.

As they develop, apprentices become skilled employees who understand the business from the ground up, providing companies with quality staff who can grow into leadership roles.

This creates a sustainable talent pipeline while offering apprentices a clear career progression path, making it a win-win investment in both the company’s future and the individual’s professional development.”

Eoghan Hourigan

Apprentice Engineer

Joined CGP|MEP 6 months ago

Currently on the job learning until he can start a Level 3 Building Services Technician course in September 2026

Declan Parker

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Joined CGP|MEP in 2019 studying BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction

Graduated First Class BEng (Hons) in 2025

(Level 6)

Meet our apprentices

National Apprenticeship Week wouldn’t be complete without introducing our apprentices.

We have apprentices at different stages of their education; some have already chosen their specialism and are now focusing on that whilst in the office.

Nathan Gill

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Level 4 Building Services Technician course

Year 1

When I started at CGP over 3 years ago, I felt so included into the team by the colleagues I was working with.

I have learnt so much about the building services industry and I have developed my own knowledge as an apprentice electrical engineer.

I have been mentored by some of the best engineers and gained so much experience from people like my line manager, Rupert Holdsworth, who has guided me so far in this industry.

Dan Shannon

Apprentice Mechanical Engineer

Level 3 Building Services Technician Course

Completed

During my time at CGP, I have been learning how to design Mechanical and Public Health systems and understand the principles behind how they work.

The experience has helped me build practical knowledge as well as confidence in a professional environment.

Senior members of staff have been very supportive whenever I have questions about new information, I am also looking forward to starting college in September to continue developing my knowledge and skills.

Lucas Miller

Apprentice Engineer

Level 3 Building Services Technician Course

Year 2

Since starting at CGP in 2023 I have learnt how to use software’s such as AutoCAD and Revit whilst at work through the help from the engineers and other coordinators within the workplace.

I have also learnt a lot about different sectors within the job such as the engineering side through college and again the help from the engineers at the office.

Everyone has helped me learn at CGP, especially if I struggle understanding work given from college the engineers are a massive help in allowing me to understand my work.

Ted Holmes