Apprentices Driving Innovation on Britain's Strategic Road Network
As National Apprenticeship Week gains momentum, National Highways has officially launched its 2026 apprenticeship programme, offering 44 diverse roles that will help manage and improve some of the country's busiest motorways and major A roads. The organisation is actively encouraging applications from school leavers, graduates exploring alternative pathways, career changers, and young people considering their future options.
Real Stories from the Road Network's Rising Stars
With 142 apprentices currently thriving within National Highways, several individuals from the Midlands have shared their transformative experiences. These apprentices work across multiple disciplines, contributing to teams that maintain road safety, enhance journeys for millions of travellers, and deliver infrastructure supporting national economic growth.
Katir Ali, based in Birmingham, is in his third year of a five-year Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship. After facing challenges during sixth form, he discovered his direction through this programme and now contributes to a substantial £14.5 billion national framework.
"My degree apprenticeship allows me to rotate across different teams, develop competencies required for RICS chartership, and contribute to a major national framework with genuine social value," Katir explained. "I take pride in being involved in a programme with such comprehensive commitments and gaining invaluable skills through business improvement initiatives."
From Apprenticeship to Professional Leadership
Twenty-two-year-old Miles Allibone-Dover has progressed from a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship into a full-time Assistant Project Manager position at National Highways. He currently applies his expertise to the significant M54 to M6 link road project.
"Apprenticeships provided me with an accessible pathway to a fulfilling career," Miles reflected. "National Highways entrusted me with real responsibility while offering consistent support throughout my journey. This experience has been immensely rewarding, helping me evolve from feeling hesitant to confidently embracing leadership opportunities."
For many participants, the apprenticeship programme has served as a platform to develop both professional capabilities and personal confidence.
Transforming Career Trajectories
Libby Brock joined National Highways at nineteen after experiencing anxiety during college and realising traditional university routes weren't suitable for her. Following her A-level completion in 2025, she secured a position on the Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship that same year.
"This apprenticeship has fundamentally shaped me into a positive, confident individual," Libby revealed. "I receive consistent support, am trusted with genuine responsibility, and can visibly improve people's journeys. The work-life balance at National Highways is excellent, and I've encountered nothing but helpful colleagues who encourage me to achieve goals aligned with my apprenticeship objectives and beyond."
Unexpected Career Transitions
Former trainee detective Ben Harrison demonstrates how unexpected career changes can create new opportunities. The twenty-six-year-old from Wakefield never anticipated that leaving policing would lead to an Apprentice Data Scientist role at National Highways – a position he initially believed required formal qualifications he didn't possess.
"It felt like a now-or-never moment," Ben admitted. "The apprenticeship enables me to work towards a data science degree while gaining practical experience. I've already delivered virtual work experience to over 2,000 young people and led initiatives on sustainable AI principles. My previous experience hasn't been wasted; it enhances what I bring to this role."
Expanding Opportunities Through Education Outreach
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, National Highways is conducting outreach sessions with schools and colleges nationwide, showcasing the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities and emphasising the transferable skills participants develop.
National Highways' Chief People Officer, Elaine Billington, commented: "Our 2026 apprenticeship programme creates pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to develop new skills and begin careers in civil engineering, commercial operations, project management, and related fields. As the organisation responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's motorways and major A-roads, we offer apprentices the chance to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure projects while obtaining industry-recognised qualifications and assuming genuine responsibility from the outset."
Bridging Education and Industry Through T Levels
As part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, National Highways is also highlighting the value of T Level qualifications, which effectively connect classroom learning with skilled careers. The organisation will observe T Level Thursday by recognising students completing industry placements across various business departments.
Eighteen-year-old Tobi Salawu, based in Birmingham and completing his Software Development T Level placement with the Digital Services team, shared: "My placement has helped me develop practical problem-solving and communication skills while understanding how digital systems support national infrastructure. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence and clarified my career aspirations in the technology sector."
National Highways continues to demonstrate how apprenticeship programmes and alternative education pathways can create meaningful career opportunities while addressing critical infrastructure needs across Britain's strategic road network.
