News

As the engineering sector continues to face growing demand for skilled professionals, Informed Engineering has strengthened its investment in future talent with the appointment of Noah Hatfield as a Civil Engineering Apprentice.

The 18-year-old joins Informed Engineering on a Civil Engineering Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship, a programme designed to equip aspiring engineers with the technical knowledge, practical skills and industry experience needed to contribute to infrastructure projects and the wider built environment.

Operating across the UK and internationally, Informed Engineering recognises that developing the next generation of engineers is critical to the long term success of both the profession and the communities it serves. Apprenticeships form a key part of the company’s commitment to nurturing talent, creating career opportunities and helping young people build rewarding careers within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector.

Noah’s appointment is the result of a relationship that began at a recruitment fair, where he first met Tom Price, Chief Executive of Informed Engineering. At the time, Noah was exploring career opportunities within the built environment, having developed a strong interest in architecture and engineering through his studies.

A student of the award winning Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) Learning Programme, Noah successfully completed both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, gaining valuable insight into the real world challenges and opportunities within the AEC sector. Designed to bring architecture, engineering and construction into the classroom, the DEC programme enables students to work on industry focused projects while developing the technical, digital and employability skills required for professional careers.

Recognising Noah’s enthusiasm and potential, Tom invited him to undertake a week long work experience placement with Informed Engineering. During that time, Noah quickly impressed the team with his curiosity, professionalism and willingness to learn, demonstrating qualities that suggested a promising future within engineering.

Rather than simply offering short term experience, Informed Engineering took the decision to create a dedicated apprenticeship opportunity, providing Noah with a structured pathway into the profession and the opportunity to continue developing his skills within a supportive and experienced team.

Tom Price, Chief Executive of Informed Engineering, said: “From the moment we met Noah, it was clear that he possessed the qualities we look for in future engineers. He is inquisitive, motivated and genuinely passionate about the built environment. During his work experience placement he showed a maturity and professionalism beyond his years, together with a real desire to learn and contribute.

“Apprenticeships are incredibly important to our business because they allow us to invest directly in the future of the profession. We want to help create opportunities for talented young people and ensure the engineering sector continues to attract capable individuals who will go on to shape the built environment for years to come.

“Programmes such as DEC play a vital role in helping young people understand the opportunities available within our industry. Noah’s journey demonstrates what can happen when education and industry work together to identify talent and create meaningful career pathways.”

For Noah, the apprenticeship represents the beginning of an exciting professional journey and the opportunity to turn a long standing interest in the built environment into a career. “The DEC programme helped me understand the different careers available within the industry and gave me valuable experience working on projects that reflected real world challenges,” said Noah.

“I originally thought architecture would be the route I would take, but meeting Tom and spending time with the team at Informed Engineering changed my perspective. The work experience placement showed me the impact engineering has on projects and communities, and it quickly became clear that this was the direction I wanted to pursue.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited to begin my apprenticeship. Being able to learn from experienced professionals while gaining practical experience is a fantastic way to start my career and I’m looking forward to developing my skills and contributing to the business.”

Noah’s appointment comes at a significant moment for both the engineering profession and the wider UK economy. The recently published Young People and Work: Interim Report highlighted that almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 across the United Kingdom are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). The report also warned of increasing levels of detachment from the labour market, with many young people struggling to access opportunities that lead to long-term careers.

Against this backdrop, Noah’s story provides a positive example of how collaboration between educators, employers and industry initiatives can create meaningful routes into employment.

It also highlights the importance of programmes such as DEC, which are helping to future ready young people for careers within the AEC sector by connecting classroom learning with real world industry experience.

For Informed Engineering, creating opportunities for emerging talent is about more than recruitment. It is about helping to build a stronger, more resilient profession that continues to attract and develop the skilled individuals needed to meet future challenges.

As Noah begins his Civil Engineering Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship, his appointment represents both an investment in one young person’s future and a wider commitment to supporting the next generation of engineering professionals.

It is a reminder that when education, industry and ambition come together, they can create pathways that benefit individuals, businesses and the wider economy alike.