HR Administrator Anna lands year-long work placement with Jones Bros13th Jul 2026

From visiting major UK infrastructure projects to getting hands-on marketing experience, Jones Bros Human Resource (HR) Administrator Anna Williams is singing the company’s praises as she nears the finish line of her 13-month work placement.

Studying toward a BA (Hons) in Business and Management at the University of York, the 21-year-old was eager to work with the family-owned business after discovering its speculative job vacancies post on Facebook.

Welcomed as part of Jones Bros’ HR Team, Anna has since played a key role resolving queries for members of staff and attending meetings on major projects including the Sanquhar II Wind Farm.

With a keen interest in marketing, Anna was also granted responsibility to work across disciplines and promote the company’s apprenticeship programme to local schools and colleges by creating posters and booklets.

Reviewing and suggesting what vacancies should be spotlighted on Jones Bros’ social media platforms are also a weekly part of Anna’s role with the HR Administrator as well as planning and creating content during National Apprenticeship Week.

She said: “As a Llanrhaeadr local, I’d heard of Jones Bros over the years, so when I saw the vacancy post on social media I looked into the variety of projects and locations the company works on and was interested in applying for a position.

“I’ve learnt so much during my time here at Jones Bros and by working within a professional environment, I feel I’ve strengthened my communication skills.

“I also think the good time management practice I’ve gained during my placement will help improve the quality of my university work as I enter my final year.

“Overall, although I didn’t know what to expect going into it, it’s been interesting and I’ve enjoyed it.”

As part of her role, Anna has also undertaken a mental health course with Mental Health First Aid England, something she believes has strengthened her understanding and ability to manage sensitive conversations with employees.

She added: “A key part of my job is corresponding with members of staff, and sometimes people reach out because they are having a difficult time, so the training has really helped me learn how to handle those situations.

“The support for myself has also been brilliant with my line manager, Tayla Davies, ensuring I got to experience the marketing side of things, which was great as it’s something I’m hoping to pursue beyond university.

“I’ve loved working with them all and it’s definitely what I’ll miss the most when returning to my studies, so I would encourage anyone considering pursuing a Year in Industry to go for it.

“The experience and knowledge I have gained during my time at Jones Bros has been invaluable and has massively increased my confidence, preparing me for graduate role applications in the future.”

Jones Bros Human Resources Manager Taya Davies said: “Anna settled into our newly created, close-knit team from day one and quickly became a vital part of the day to day running of the HR function. Her positive attitude, willingness to help and dedication have made a real difference to the team.

“We will be incredibly sad to see Anna return to her studies in September, but we have no doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her and will go far in whatever she chooses to do.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 550 people.

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

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