12 May 2025
Liam finds perfect role as an apprentice
Build UK chair and D-Drill & Sawing managing director Julie White is passionate about bringing through the next generation of workforce in the construction industry.
In a new feature, entitled The Real Apprentice – You Are Hired, Julie has been catching up with apprentices in the industry both within D-Drill and at other companies in the sector to show the breadth of careers on offer – with hundreds of jobs in the industry!
Liam Horton left school at 16 with no formal qualifications but was introduced to the construction industry by his role model dad - and soon found his niche. He moved away from home to be with his girlfriend, but he found the opportunity to stay in the sector through an apprenticeship with Knight Fencing.
Liam said: “I didn’t really get on so well at school. I’m a hands-on person and don’t really enjoy paperwork and writing but I really liked working with my dad.
“I’ve always looked up to him really and, as well as my dad, he’s my role model. He made me who I am today because he showed me how important it is to work hard and make something of yourself.
“I saw him going out early in the morning and working hard. That stuck with me.
“My dad put me through college for two years and took me on sites doing oak frames and carpentry. I really enjoyed it and found something that was for me, which I never really felt going through school.
“I decided to move to Sussex to be with my girlfriend and I was looking for apprenticeships in the area and found out that Knight Fencing were offering them.
“I had no idea that you could do an apprenticeship in fencing until I saw this and decided I would go for it.
“I like the work itself but I did find parts of the apprenticeship a little bit stressful at the start – probably because I don’t like the paperwork side of things.
“But I grew in confidence and I had lots of support from the people around me, which helped me through. Because of that support, I qualified and got my NVQ Level 2.
“Now I work on lots of different projects – both domestic and commercial – and can take on anything from digging out the holes through to dealing with the customer. My number one job is having to stay one step ahead of the crew leader!
“My colleagues are there to help me and they show me all of the tricks of the trade, which helps me to get better at what I do. I don’t have a particular favourite part of the job but I love being outside and I really appreciate the opportunity that Knight Fencing and construction have given to me because I can see a bright future for myself.
“My honest advice to anyone thinking of an apprenticeship in any part of construction is to do it. You won’t regret it. If you prefer learning by doing and having lots of variety then this is the job for you.
“I know there is still more to learn and that I want to get to the point where I am out managing projects on my own.
“I’ve also learned the importance of having the right clothes for the job…my shorts split a few weeks when I was working for a customer and I had to make a quick dash to the van to get changed!
“But, seriously, if you decide to go for an apprenticeship and stick to it, you’ll get the rewards for it eventually.”
Julie’s thoughts: “I was introduced to construction by my dad, Peter, who was my role model growing up so I can completely understand where Liam is coming from and know the big impression our parents have on us.
“I left school with one GCSE so formal education definitely wasn’t for me either! So, it’s great to see that Liam has found a niche for himself and that he’s progressing so well.
“This really makes me proud of our industry and the young people we are bringing through.”
Back to news