As part of our Parkeray Pathways campaign, to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re shouting loud and proud about our Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme.
Since the early days of Parkeray, this scheme has helped propel more than 50 talented individuals into exciting careers across the construction industry, many of whom continue to make a significant impact at Parkeray today.
But don’t just take our word for it – we caught up with a handful of our alumni, who shared their reflections on what originally attracted them to the scheme, what they enjoyed most, and how the experience shaped the careers they’re thriving in today…
Miru Zelalem, Construction Manager
What did you most enjoy about being a trainee?
I loved it all, but really the best part was working in the team I ended up in by the end of the trainee programme. I feel like I found my people.
In what ways did the trainee scheme prepare you for your current role?
Being able to do a job for the subject that you’re studying allows you to solidify what you’re learning through practical experience. Being given responsibility so early on also allowed me to gain confidence in preparation for being qualified.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
Do it!
Darryl Dillon, Project Manager
What originally attracted you to the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
A family member in the construction industry recommended the Trainee Scheme – working while studying was key for me.
What’s been the most important step or turning point in your career since the trainee scheme?
The first day on site as lead Project Manager, trusting that my prior experience both on site and academically was enough to deliver successful projects.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
I would recommend the trainee scheme to everyone, seeing how many people have come through the trainee scheme who now hold senior positions is encouraging and clear to see that hard work does not go unnoticed.
Tom Hajduczek, Senior Services Manager
What originally attracted you to the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
Having worked in building services engineering before joining the scheme, I was drawn to Parkeray because of their strong reputation and the great people already working within the business. The structured yet flexible nature of the scheme was really appealing to me, as it promised not only hands-on experience but also the chance to develop my technical knowledge at university and my understanding of various other areas of the business.
I wanted a role that would challenge me while providing the support and mentorship to grow, and the Parkeray Graduate Scheme offered just that.
How did the scheme help you progress to where you are today?
The scheme gave me a solid foundation of technical knowledge and practical skills that I still rely on today. It helped me build confidence and provided me with the tools to take on more responsibility, set clear goals, and stay focused on my career progression. From being on-site, I gained invaluable insights and skills and the exposure to different parts of the business helped me better understand where my strengths lie and how I could contribute to a project’s success.
What’s been the most important step or turning point in your career since the scheme?
The biggest turning point for me was when I was trusted with leading the Mechanical & Engineering packages on a project. This experience really solidified my career path and gave me the confidence to take on more responsibilities. It was a defining moment where I saw the value of everything I had learned during my training.
Elle Stevens, Commercial Manager
What did you most enjoy about being a trainee?
Getting to meet new people, and how every day is different – there’s always more to learn with each secondment you complete.
What’s been the most important step or turning point in your career since the trainee scheme?
It would be working on the first project I completed once I was qualified. I felt like I was given a lot more responsibility and this makes you learn a lot quicker.
In what ways did the trainee scheme prepare you for your current role?
All ways! I personally worked with quite a few of the Quantity Surveyors at Parkeray and so you pick up different traits from each one. The secondments you completed also helped greatly, allowing you to learn different parts of each role.
Sam Overton, Project Director
What originally attracted you to the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
Back in 2014, I was working for one of our long-time, trusted subcontractors in a labouring/apprentice position. It hadn’t been my original intention to find my way into the construction industry; however, I quickly began to enjoy my time out onsite.
While working on Parkeray projects, I got to know a few Project Managers and those undertaking the trainee scheme at the time, they’re the ones initially gave me the drive to get into project management and find my way onto the Parkeray Graduate Scheme.
How did the scheme help you progress to where you are today?
Parkeray have an ethos of developing from within. At every step, I have been encouraged to progress by my peers and trusted to take on more responsibility. I believe this was the original intention of the scheme and it has certainly worked for me.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Parkeray Graduate Trainee Scheme?
A career in the fit-out industry is an excellent option, and the trainee scheme will provide you with the support needed to succeed. So, take the leap!