Behind every successful apprenticeship is an employer committed to developing the next generation of skilled professionals. Our employer partners play a vital role in giving apprentices real-world experience, expert guidance, and the opportunity to build lasting careers in their chosen industries.
From fast-growing electrical contractors to specialist construction firms delivering high-profile projects across London and the South East, these businesses understand the value of investing in young talent. We spoke to Danbro Electrica and David Andrews Construction Ltd to find out why they support apprenticeships, what opportunities they offer, and their advice for those just starting out on their career journey.
Danbro Electrical is a fast-growing electrical installation company with Commercial and Residential clients across London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The team takes on new apprentices every year, and understands the value of nurturing young talent. We spoke to Amanda Gee at DanBro to tell us more about the company and why apprenticeships are important.
Danbro Electrical Services Limited is an independently owned Electrical contractor based in Watford and serving clients primarily in London and the South East. We work with Commercial, Industrial and Domestic customers, providing everything from a EICR Electrical test for an estate agents in our area, through to supporting local building contractors with first and second electrical fixes, onto large commercial projects, warehouse retail conversions and industrial fit-outs. We have a team of 30 technicians and administrators in Watford.
We try to have at least 4 apprentices in the team, usually one in each year. We work across a variety of colleges to suit the location of the apprentice and we provide our apprentices with the support of working alongside a senior electrician. All of our directors have been through the apprenticeship route and understand what the company and the team needs to do to get the best from each of our young apprentices and what support they need to get through to their AM2s as quickly and effectively as possible.
At Danbro we need our young people to join us with their English and Maths qualifications. We also always bring a potential apprentice in for at least a couple of weeks’ trial. It is essential for the business that any individual can work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate resilience, as well as a positive attitude towards learning and the practicalities of working on a site.
Do what you love, get work experience in the industry before you make a commitment. Becoming an electrician will be at least 3 years in college and then an intensive 3-day exam, which should not be underestimated. Get your English and Maths before you leave school, it will save a lot of heartache and will allow your employer to keep you for four days of the week rather than three.
David Andrews Construction Ltd is a high quality contractor that has been involved in numerous high profile, multimillion-pound projects including the redevelopment of the Natural History Museum’s 5 acre garden space and the refurbishment of the Lords Cricket Ground Media Centre. The company takes on plastering and drylining apprentices every year as part of their mission to invest in the future and give back to the industry.
We spoke to the team to learn more about their business and what it takes to be a great apprentice.
David Andrews Construction Ltd is a specialist trade contractor based in London, specialising in plastering, drylining, suspended ceilings, external render, acoustic systems and fibrous mouldings. Our expertise lies in high quality refurbishment, heritage and commercial buildings in all our trade disciplines with a contract value of £50k – £10 million. We have a large team of skilled tradesmen, overseen by experienced management, who are focused on delivering the highest levels of quality and service to each and every client.
Our apprentices will work on various high-end projects and specialist work from day one, learning the trade and working as part of an experienced team. We pride ourselves on offering training and development opportunities to every employee, focusing on their future with the company.
A good apprentice is someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys learning a skilled trade and wants to build a long-term career. An apprentice needs to be able to take instruction and have a positive and professional attitude. Finally, understanding that high-end mastery takes years to learn, and cannot be rushed.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
