Erin’s happy to lead the way for females on degree apprenticeship scheme7th Mar 2025

Erin Baxter declared that being one of the first females enrolled on Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s degree apprenticeship scheme is “an absolute honour”.

The 19-year-old is part of the latest intake of nine students on the new-look arrangement at Coleg Cambria, which has partnered with neighbours Wrexham University to run the programme.

Starting in October 2024, the four-year scheme leads to either a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.

Erin has been joined by a familiar face – fellow former Ysgol Glan Clwyd pupil Jacob Chow – as she settles into life on the course, which includes blocks of classroom learning and invaluable time out on site at major projects around the UK.

“It would be great to be the first of many females that enrolled on the civil engineering degree apprenticeship with Jones Bros,” said Erin.

“There is another female, Katie Dolben, who is on the QS degree, which is fantastic, but the sector as a whole is becoming more and more accessible to women, and I want to help prove that we can be successful.”

Erin was at a crossroads when Tony Murphy, head of business management systems and support at Jones Bros, contacted her school in St Asaph.

She continued: “I have a love of physics and maths as there is always a solution to a problem, and I’ve always been interested in civil engineering as a result.

“I couldn’t find a degree apprenticeship that I wanted to do, so was going to go to university as the next logical step in my development.

“It was approaching decision time when Tony spoke to the school and told us about the course with Jones Bros. I jumped at the chance to apply.

“When I went in for my interview, I knew it was the right decision and it has been a wonderful experience so far.”

Erin, who lives in Mostyn, has already gained important office experience, reviewing tender documents and project plans, whilst she is heading to the multi-million-pound Kinmel Bay coastal defence scheme to help with setting out.

“I can’t wait to get out on site for a prolonged period of time,” she said. “I’ve been part of programme meetings with the Kinmel Bay team, so to get stuck into work will be great.

“Time in the office at Ty Glyn has really helped my knowledge and understanding, and I’m relishing the chance to put some of that learning into practice.

“It has been a hugely enjoyable five months, so I am looking forward to what the next few years has in store for me with Jones Bros.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.