Alumni Spotlight - Charlie Lawn

From Construction Apprentice to Site Agent

In 2017, Charlie began his career as a Construction Apprentice, choosing a route that combined practical experience with higher education. What started as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience has developed into a successful career in Civil Engineering, with Charlie now working as a Site Agent.

Over the past nine years, Charlie has continued to develop his technical knowledge, overcome complex engineering challenges and progress into leadership roles. Along the way, he has graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering, taken responsibility for major infrastructure projects and become passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers.

His journey highlights how apprenticeships can provide the experience, confidence and opportunities needed to build a rewarding and long-lasting career.

Starting Out

When deciding on his next steps after school, Charlie wanted a career that would allow him to start working straight away without sacrificing the opportunity to gain a university qualification in the future. An apprenticeship offered the ideal balance of earning, learning and developing practical engineering experience from day one.

Reflecting on his decision, Charlie said:

"I was at a crossroads between choosing a traditional degree route and an apprenticeship. I wanted to earn some money whilst also gaining hands-on experience in a job. Additionally, I still wanted to come away with a degree without the need to do a full-time course."

"I was also very hands on and liked solving problems so an apprenticeship was perfect for me."

From the very beginning, Charlie was able to apply what he learned in the classroom to real engineering projects, building practical skills while developing his academic knowledge.

Developing Skills for the Future

Throughout his apprenticeship, Charlie gained a strong understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of Civil Engineering.

Working on live construction projects gave him first-hand experience of engineering processes, while studying alongside his role allowed him to understand the theory behind them.

"I gained lots of valuable knowledge and skills. The job allowed me to learn about the processes and practical side of engineering whilst the taught elements helped me gain valuable knowledge of the theory behind the things we do."

"I could use both elements to better understand why I was doing things and also how to do them."

This combination of learning helped Charlie build the confidence and technical expertise that continue to support him in his role today.

Building a Career

Charlie believes his apprenticeship gave him a significant head start in his career by exposing him to a wide range of roles, projects and challenges from an early stage.

"By doing an apprenticeship it allowed me to experience lots of different roles and be exposed to various challenges. I feel like these challenges better helped me to develop through the roles of my career."

"I am now 26 years old and I have nine years of experience. This has meant that a number of challenges we face have already happened to me, so I feel better prepared for later in my career."

Achievements Along the Way

Since completing his apprenticeship, Charlie has achieved a number of significant milestones that reflect both his technical ability and commitment to continuous development.

One of his most recent achievements was graduating from London South Bank University with a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering while continuing to work full-time.

He has also been promoted to Site Agent, where he has been trusted with managing a £12 million engineering project, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Recognised Progression and Supporting Others

Charlie’s commitment and leadership have also been recognised. He was recently awarded as LSP’s Line Manager of the Month, recognising the ongoing support and guidance he provides to colleagues currently on their own apprenticeship journey. Having started his own career as an apprentice, Charlie is passionate about helping young engineers develop in their own roles.

"As a former apprentice I take great pride in helping younger engineers with their careers and guiding them through the same challenges that I have faced in the past."

"Additionally I have been nominated for many ‘Be Recognised’ awards for going above and beyond in the workplace."

A Proud Moment

Throughout his career, Charlie has celebrated many successes, but one moment continues to stand out.

Early in his career, after beginning to work independently, he was tasked with setting out a large, deep shaft to intercept two existing pipes - a complex engineering challenge requiring both precision and confidence.

"I had to draw on all my practical and theoretical knowledge to ensure the shaft was in the correct position and when we did intercept the pipes it was a great feeling!"

Advice for Future Apprentices

Having experienced the benefits of an apprenticeship first-hand, Charlie encourages anyone considering this route to take the opportunity.

He believes the combination of practical experience, academic learning and early responsibility provides an excellent foundation for a successful career.

"I would say go for it. I have been exposed to so much since starting my apprenticeship journey and when I think back to making the tough decision between a degree route or an apprenticeship, I now realise how much more I have achieved and learnt by doing it the apprenticeship way."

"It has set me up for a great career."

Building a Career Through Experience

Charlie’s journey demonstrates the value of learning through experience.

By choosing an apprenticeship, he has gained almost a decade of industry experience by the age of 26, achieved a First Class Honours degree, progressed into a Site Agent role and taken responsibility for delivering major engineering projects.

His story shows that apprenticeships are far more than an alternative route into employment - they provide the knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to build a successful and rewarding career while making a real impact from day one.