Meet some of the apprentices helping to shape Britain’s motorways

With National Apprenticeship Week under way, National Highways’ apprenticeship programmes are officially open with 44 roles up for grabs helping to manage some of the country’s busiest motorways and major A roads.

National Highways is encouraging applications from school leavers, graduates exploring alternative pathways, career changers and young people weighing up their options.

With 142 apprentices currently thriving at National Highways, some of those who are already helping to build a road network fit for the future have been sharing their experiences.

Working across a range of disciplines, they're part of a team that helps keep National Highways’ roads safe, improves journeys for millions of people, and delivers infrastructure that supports economic growth across the country.

They include Birmingham-based apprentices Katir Ali, Libby Brock and Miles Allibone-Dover.

Katir is in his third year of a five-year Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship, having found his direction after struggling at sixth form. He now works on a £14.5bn national framework, gaining experience in contract development, procurement and commercial operations.

He said:

“My degree apprenticeship lets me rotate across teams, build the competencies I need for RICS chartership and contribute to a major national framework with real social value. I’m proud to be involved in a programme with such wide‑ranging commitments and to be gaining invaluable skills through the business improvement and change work.”

Caption: Katir Ali and Miles Allibone-Dover

While 22‑year‑old Miles has progressed from a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship into a full‑time Assistant Project Manager role at National Highways, where he is now applying his skills on the M54 to M6 link road project.

Miles said:

“Apprenticeships gave me an accessible route into a fulfilling career. National Highways trusted me with real responsibility and supported me every step of the way. The experience has been hugely rewarding, helping me grow from feeling timid to confidently taking on leadership opportunities.”

For many apprentices, the programme has been a chance to build confidence alongside new skills.

Libby joined National Highways aged 19 after struggling with anxiety at college and realising university wasn’t the right path for her.

After completing her A‑levels in 2025 she secured a place on the Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship later that year, a decision she says has completely changed her outlook.

Libby explained:

“This apprenticeship has completely shaped me into a positive, confident person. I’m supported, trusted with real responsibility and able to make a visible difference to people’s journeys.

“The work life balance at National Highways is brilliant and as of yet I have not met one person who has not helped when I’ve asked. I have been made to feel supported and pushed to help reach goals that align with the objectives for my apprenticeship and beyond.”

Caption: Project Management apprentice Libby Brock

Meanwhile, former trainee detective Ben Harrison is proof that unexpected career changes can open new doors. The 26-year-old from Wakefield never imagined leaving policing would lead to an Apprentice Data Scientist role at National Highways – one he assumed was out of reach without formal qualifications. He said:

“It felt like a now or never moment. The apprenticeship has given me the chance to work towards a degree in data science while learning on the job. I’ve already delivered virtual work experience to over 2,000 young people and led work on sustainable AI principles. My past experience hasn’t been lost, it only strengthens what I bring to the role.”

Throughout this week, National Highways will be running outreach sessions with schools and colleges across the country, showcasing the breadth of its apprenticeship opportunities and highlighting the skills apprentices gain that they can then take into the world of work.

National Highways’ Chief People Officer, Elaine Billington, said:

“Our 2026 apprenticeship programme opens the door for people from all backgrounds to develop new skills and take their first steps into careers in civil engineering, commercial, project management and more.

“As the organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A‑roads, National Highways offers apprentices the chance to contribute to some of the country’s most important infrastructure projects, while gaining industry‑recognised qualifications and taking on genuine responsibility from the start.”

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, National Highways is also highlighting the value of T Level qualifications, which bridge the gap between classroom learning and skilled careers. The organisation will mark T Level Thursday by celebrating students completing industry placements across the business.

Eighteen-year-old Tobi, who is based in Birmingham and completing his Software Development T Level placement with the Digital Services team, said:

“My placement has helped me build real problem‑solving and communication skills while seeing how digital systems support national infrastructure. It’s had a really positive impact on my confidence and my career goals in tech.”

Caption Tobi Salawu, aged 18