Jones Bros higher apprentice Harley going from strength to strength5th Oct 2023

Apprentice Harley Durak hasn’t looked back since pursuing his dream career with Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK.

In just under a year, Harley has worked at five landfill sites and gained key experience on the shoreside improvements for the Penrhyn Bay coastal defence scheme, which he cites as one of his biggest achievements to date.

The higher apprentice carried out land surveys to compile records on the materials being used, which directly feeds into construction plans. He also set out points and levels for the ground workers and plant operatives to identify the locations of each live site.

Harley said: “This project was a welcome opportunity to boost my skills and knowledge, and as a fluent Welsh speaker, it was fantastic to be a part of a significant development in Wales.

“I enjoyed talking to residents about the impact it will have on their local environment, as well as the specific work we were carrying out at Penrhyn Bay, including a bike repair station, disabled access to the beach, and a cycle path.”

Harley has also travelled throughout the UK, working on waste management sites at Deerplay in Burnley, Glasgow’s Greengairs, Chester-based Gowy, Lillyhall in the Lake District, and Durham’s Joint Stocks.

At each location, he supported the team on landfill capping projects, which involves the installation of plastic liners, geotextiles, and sealing with a top layer of soil.

The former Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn pupil, who has completed part one of his higher national certificate course while working at Jones Bros, said: “The past year has flown by, and I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve made new friends and travelled the length and breadth of the UK.

“I’ll be based at Joint Stocks until I return to college in November for 10 weeks. It’ll be great to go back to the classroom and hear about the other lads’ experiences.”

Tony Murphy, head of HR and business management systems at Jones Bros, said: “Harley’s passion for his work and our industry has really shone through and it’s a pleasure to have him on the team.

“He has brought a positive attitude to every scheme he’s worked on, especially Penrhyn Bay, which was a substantial project to be a part of.

“We pride ourselves in offering opportunities where people can learn and grow, both in the classroom and on live projects, which is why it’s so important to raise more awareness of career paths in civil engineering.”

Harley, who has also completed fire marshal and first aid training, added: “I’ve always wanted to work in this industry and my goal is to progress within Jones Bros and be the best I can be.

“I’m fascinated by renewable energy, so I aspire to work on those types of projects in the future.”

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 more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.