Maggie Taylor details her experience as a commercial apprentice for FM Conway’s Aggregates and Asphalt (A&A) division.
Great Expectations - Operational Apprenticeship Programme Takes Shape
It’s a well-known fact that apprenticeship programmes are a popular alternative to further education. Earning a wage whilst in a job that combines work with training and study provides immense value for both the apprentice and employer. Increased confidence and significant personal growth are just two of the many benefits reported.
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We currently have Apprentices working in fields such as Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Highways Maintenance, Asphalt and Paving Technology, and Business Management, with opportunities ranging from Level 2 to Level 7.
This year, we have expanded our Early Careers offering by employing a group of Operational Apprentices within our Aggregates and Asphalt (A&A) division, giving them hands-on experience in asphalt manufacturing.
Congratulations and welcome to our eight enthusiastic Apprentices who have successfully joined sites across Erith, Croydon, Heathrow, Chelsfield, and Sevenoaks, stepping boots-first into the manufacturing arm of the business. Some joined earlier in the year, and together they form a dynamic, supportive group already showing great promise.
Our Apprentices are settling in well and enjoying peer-to-peer companionship. The group is already like a small family, supporting each other and connecting with the wider apprenticeship community at FM Conway.
Apprenticeship Roles Across the Division
Our 2025 intake includes:
- Fitter Apprentice – Recycling Plant, Chelsfield
- Manufacturing Operative Apprentice – Erith Asphalt
- Manufacturing Operative Apprentices (x2) – Croydon Asphalt
- Manufacturing Operative Apprentice – Heathrow Asphalt
- Commercial Apprentices (x2) – Commercial Admin Team, Sevenoaks
- Graduate Systems Analyst – Systems Team, Sevenoaks
Each Apprentice brings unique strengths, from hands-on engineering passion to analytical curiosity, and each is already making a real contribution to their teams.
What They’ve Learnt So Far:
Operational Apprentices
- Touring the flagship Erith plant, including the top of the asphalt tower and down to the wharf
- Training to operate the loading shovel
- Learning how asphalt is manufactured
- Working alongside plant fitters to understand the recycling fleet
- Gaining hands-on experience in safety, plant operations, and daily production tasks
- Understanding PSV (Polished Stone Value)… just ask them!
Commercial & Office-Based Apprentices
- Navigating our ordering systems
- Managing customer orders and proof-of-delivery tickets
- Supporting customer engagement initiatives
- Developing user guides and process documentation
- Assisting with logistics, sales activity, and invoice queries
- Delivering data to support business analysis and continuous improvement
- Supporting programming for surfacing operations
Across all roles, Apprentices are learning how their contribution supports the smooth running of the A&A business, working with hauliers, plant teams, and commercial colleagues to deliver exceptional service.
With regular meet-ups, structured development, and ongoing support, this year’s intake is set to make a significant impact across the business. Their gratitude, drive, and curiosity are already shining through, and we can’t wait to see how their skills develop over the next few years.
You can watch the start of their career journey in this short reel here.
