Why Apprenticeships Work: Beth Swainston on Esh’s Commitment to Developing Talent
- gracebell7
- 52 minutes ago
- 3 min read
For Training Manager Beth Swainston, apprenticeships aren’t just part of her role at Esh Group – they’re part of her story.
Joining the business in 2015 as an apprentice in training, Beth worked her way through Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Upon completing her Level 3, she progressed to become a Training Coordinator, progressed into the training team, and today is responsible for overseeing the full apprenticeship cycle across the business.
Now, as she continues on her career journey through a foundation degree in Business and Management at New College Durham, she lifts the lid on a unique dual perspective as both a former apprentice and a current student! Here, as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Beth shines a spotlight on how Esh identifies, recruits, and supports apprentices – and what applicants should know before applying.
Before joining Esh, Beth was studying animal care at Houghall College and dreaming of a future in farming. “I genuinely wanted to be out in the fields every day,” she laughs. But when the course completed, job opportunities didn’t arise and she found herself unsure of her next step. With family members already working at Esh, she applied for an apprenticeship and came into the business at 19.
From there, Beth completed her Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships and steadily progressed to become Training Manager. Having lived the apprentice experience first-hand, she brings empathy, honesty, and realism to the process she now manages. “I’ve been the person trying to keep up with work, college deadlines, and life - that helps when supporting young people who are just starting out.”
How We Recruit
Esh’s apprenticeship planning begins every spring, when Beth contacts directors across the business to confirm where opportunities are needed. “Some roles are annual fixtures,” she explains. “Quantity surveyors and civil engineers almost always come through, but on occasion we’ll be asked to recruit other business-critical roles, everything from business admin, groundworkers and even digital roles, depending on what teams request.”
Once demand is clear, vacancies are advertised, and Esh’s network of colleges is brought in. Partnerships with New College Durham, East Durham College, and others ensure vacancies reach the right learners. Some providers, like East Durham, even pre‑interview and shortlist candidates to support the process.
For groundworks apprenticeships tied to specific projects, Beth works closely with colleges and teams to prioritise local candidates, supporting Esh’s social value commitments, by aiming to provide residents in the vicinity of live projects with apprentice or work experience opportunities on their doorstep.
How We Support
When apprentices start out with Esh, they are appointed mentors and our support continues long after someone is recruited. Matching apprentices with suitable mentors comes into our planning. Where possible, mentors and apprentices are paired based on geography and work requirements to support travel and day-to-day learning.
Our partner colleges conduct 12‑weekly reviews, capturing feedback from the apprentice, the assessor, and the line manager, but Beth acts as a central point of contact, stepping in where needed. She said: “Sometimes an apprentice might be nervous to raise something with their manager. I can be the middle ground to separate situations from the team environment and able to help resolve any arising issues early.”
As apprentices progress, most are retained, moving from apprentice to trainee and onward into assistant and qualified roles. Degree apprenticeships, delivered in partnership with providers such as Northumbria University, are increasingly part of that progression.
Advice for Applicants
Beth’s number‑one piece of advice is simple: “be honest and prepared - research the role, understand what you’re applying for, and avoid repeating generic lines you think employers want to hear.”
She claims tools like Go Construct are invaluable for understanding day‑to‑day responsibilities, required skills, and realistic career paths in the industry. “We’re not expecting people to be experts at 16,” Beth says. “We’re looking for curiosity, commitment, and enthusiasm. Skills can be taught – you just need the right attitude.”
As Esh prepares to launch its 2026 apprenticeship opportunities, Beth’s journey is a reminder that careers don’t need to start neatly to grow successfully. With the right support, the right environment, and the right mindset, an apprenticeship can be the beginning of something lasting.
To find out about apprenticeships at Esh Group, join the mailing list to be first to hear about the upcoming vacancies, visit https://www.eshgroup.co.uk/join-us/apprenticeships/
