Paul’s journey from apprentice to director

‘I wouldn’t be where I am now without my apprenticeship’ – that is the message from our Director, Paul Rodwell, as we celebrate the efforts of our apprentices this National Apprenticeship Week.

Paul took his first steps into the industry in 1978, having left school at 16 with the aim of starting his career in construction.

A great opportunity presented itself in the form of a three-year carpentry apprenticeship with West Suffolk College and former local contractor, Haymills.

From there he was given a chance to gain experience as a trainee foreman with the opportunity to play a management role within the East Anglian region.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “My supervisor at the time, Nick Woods, really encouraged me and took the time to teach and give me opportunities; he was brilliant with all the trainees. 

“By the age of 24, I was fully qualified and working on some large projects around the county. That included what is now Adastral Park and the former John Player factory which was situated behind ITFC south stand. 

“I continued my progression with Haymills, eventually becoming their Senior Contracts Manager, before the company was bought out by Vinci in 2009.

“I joined SEH French in 2012 before being promoted to joint Managing Director in 2014, alongside Simon Girling. I’ve enjoyed my career with SEH French – we’ve built an excellent team which makes it a pleasure to come to work.”

While the construction industry may look different to what it did back then – with technological advances changing the game – Paul said one thing has remained a constant: the importance of apprenticeships.

“Things are much different now,” he said. “There are a lot more opportunities nowadays in terms of the different roles available at main contractors.

“When I was younger apprenticeships were widely encouraged – they were and still are a great way to get into the trade. 

“By the early 2000s things had changed and more people were going to university for a wide range of different courses. The construction industry and apprenticeships weren’t being promoted as much.

“We’re in a place now where we are seeing a bit of a comeback, but I don’t think the education sector is doing a great job at explaining the plethora of career opportunities available in construction.

“It isn’t just a way to learn the hands-on trades; other career paths including buyers, quantity surveyors, estimators, bid writers and design coordinators offer great career progression. The challenge we now face is making young people aware of all the various opportunities available within the construction industry.

“We are proud to welcome apprentices to SEH French year after year, with many of our senior team having risen through the ranks from apprenticeships. We like to promote from within, whenever possible and it’s great to see our trainees progress. 

“We see them grow up, not just as professionals but as people. From their first company car through to their first house, partners, marriage and children. A few years down the line you see them giving opportunities to their first apprentices.

“It’s all about empowering people and giving them the grounding they need to push forward in the industry. 

“Ultimately, apprenticeships are invaluable and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the stepping stone of my apprenticeship.”

To learn more about our company culture, click here, or see our latest career opportunities here.