Quality Apprentice Review

As a Quality Apprentice at Kier, I support the Quality Manager in maintaining and improving project quality standards. My responsibilities include planning audits, following up on NCRs, and helping develop internal systems and processes. I work closely with stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are clear and met, and I actively promote continuous improvement, collaboration, and compliance. I’m building the skills to take on more responsibility in quality management as I develop in my role.

I’ve both developed existing skills and learned new ones during my apprenticeship so far. I’ve gained practical experience in planning, conducting, and following up audits, which has helped me build confidence in applying internal quality processes independently. I’ve also developed my communication skills—whether that’s emailing stakeholders or discussing audit findings. Additionally, I’ve improved my digital skills through working with internal systems and built my knowledge of core quality tools.

I’ve found the program to be really good—it goes into more detail than I currently need in my day-to-day role, but that’s been a positive. It’s helping me build a strong foundation of knowledge that will support my development and allow me to take on more responsibility in the future.

The program is well structured, with content that builds progressively. One of the things I appreciate is the flexibility. The modules can be moved around to better suit my development needs, this has helped me get the most from my program.

My line manager has been really supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They ensure I have more than enough time to complete apprenticeship tasks and actively encourage me to pursue professional development opportunities. This support has given me a clear sense of career progression.

I receive a good level of support from my training provider. My tutor is approachable and always available to answer questions or provide guidance when needed. Regular check-ins help keep me on track, and the feedback I receive is constructive and helps me improve. Overall, the support has made it easier to balance learning with my work responsibilities.

The qualification has helped me in my role as it has provided me with a deeper understanding of quality principles and industry standards, which I can apply directly to my day-to-day tasks. While some topics go beyond what I currently need, they give useful context and prepare me for future responsibilities.

My line manager has been very supportive. He has taken me to quality events and encourages me to attend external courses to support my development. So far, there’s only been one organised networking event, and no social or team activities have been promoted on the project. More consistent opportunities in this area would help new employees feel more connected. However new and emerging talent within the business are supported and guided in their career by the Emerging Talent team who hold regular sessions for new talent.

Yes

I’d recommend Kier to a friend because it’s a well-established company with a wide range of opportunities to learn and grow as well as a number of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance and overall well-being. The projects are interesting and provide a perfect environment for an apprenticeship.There’s a focus on development, and if you’re motivated, there’s a clear path to progress within the business.

My advice to others applying to Kier Group would be to thoroughly research the projects they’re involved in before applying. Understand the company’s values and consider how your previous experiences align with those values and to demonstrate this alignment during the application process.