National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – Meet Elizabeth Woodcock
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our apprentices.
Meet Elizabeth Woodcock, a Graduate Engineer whose journey through a degree apprenticeship has taken her from A‑Levels to delivering real engineering impact across the country. Here is Elizabeth’s story…
When I joined VolkerStevin in September 2020 as an Apprentice Site Engineer, I had just finished my A‑Levels and was stepping into a world I’d only ever seen from the outside. I enrolled on a five‑year day‑release programme with Liverpool John Moores University, determined to earn my degree while gaining real experience on site. Last July, that hard work paid off when I graduated with a first‑class Civil Engineering degree – a milestone that still feels surreal.
But the degree is only part of the story.
While studying, I worked my way up to Site Engineer, contributing to major water projects for C2V across the North West and even supporting a marine scheme in Dartmouth, Devon. After three and a half years on site, I moved into a temporary works design secondment with the VolkerStevin Engineering team in Preston. Today, I’m a permanent member of that team, coordinating and designing temporary works for projects nationwide. The variety is huge – water, environment, defence, energy, marine – and every project brings something new to learn. I’ve also achieved EngTech status with the Institution of Civil Engineers, a professional milestone I’m incredibly proud of.
What first drew me to construction
I’ve always enjoyed maths and science, so I knew I wanted a career that blended the two. Like many people in the industry, I also had a family connection, my dad had just retired after a 40‑year career in civil engineering. Seeing the pride he took in his work made the decision feel natural.
What surprised me most
The pace of development. Apprenticeships give you responsibility early, and that accelerates your learning in a way that’s hard to match. My cohort were carrying out tasks independently long before many of our peers on traditional full‑time degrees had even stepped onto a site. That hands‑on experience builds confidence fast.
What’s next for me
Right now, I’m preparing for my End‑Point Assessment with the ICE. Passing it will allow me to progress to Incorporated Engineer status – the next big step in my professional journey.
My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship
Be honest with yourself about the commitment. A degree apprenticeship is incredibly rewarding, but it’s demanding. Balancing site work with university assignments and EPA preparation often means putting in extra hours.
But if you’re already thinking about a degree in engineering, an apprenticeship is one of the most powerful ways to build your career. You gain real experience, earn while you learn, and avoid the burden of student debt, all while developing skills that employers genuinely value.
