From apprentice to degree-level: Max Fletcher on building a career in building services.

With the construction sector facing a significant skills challenge over the coming years, creating genuine routes into technical careers is becoming increasingly important.

At Front Five, apprenticeships form an important part of developing the next generation of building services professionals. Alongside their formal qualifications, apprentices gain practical experience working alongside experienced teams and contributing to live projects across a range of sectors.

We sat down with Front Five Apprentice, Max Fletcher, to discuss his experience, what he’s learned along the way, and where he sees his career taking him next.

Why did you decide an apprenticeship was the right route for you?

There was a lot of uncertainty around finding employment post-education. A lot of my friends who were beginning or partway through their university courses all shared the idea that there wasn't enough available work to accommodate them all.

For me, there was a lot of comfort in knowing I could continue my education while being employed full-time. I knew I would be gaining qualifications while also having a job, which gave me a sense of security.

What does a normal work week look like?

At the moment, while I’m between education levels, it’s a regular 9-5, five days a week. My time is split between different projects, with occasional site visits where needed.

That could be an initial visit to understand what is currently serving a building, checking on the progress of an ongoing project or going to site when an issue arises that might need input from a designer.

When I was at college, and as I begin university, I’ll spend one day a week studying. If I have work to complete before my next class, I’ll often do it during quieter periods at work once I’ve completed what I need to for the day. Otherwise, I’ll work on it at home or at the weekend.

What has surprised you most about working in the sector?

The variety of facilities we work on.

The first project I had any input or experience on was a library. Since then, I’ve helped design stadiums, large food factories, football club shops and training grounds.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?

It might seem simple, but understanding your responsibilities and knowing when to enforce them when necessary has been really important.

When I first started, I wasn’t always sure what I was expected to do on a day-to-day basis, and would sometimes miss things, both large and small.

Working at Front Five has taught me that I need to understand what’s expected of me, both in terms of workload and the quality of my work.

If I’m asked to do something I’m not comfortable with or that I’m not responsible for, being able to say so is important. It shows that you care about getting the job done properly.

Being a 'yes man' won't get you far. You won't learn what you don't already know, and being upfront about what I'm doing, asking for help when I need it, builds trust in the people I work with. It shows that I care about my work and want to do it properly

Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?

Currently, we’re working on a Premier League-quality new stadium development, where I’ve been given responsibility for overseeing the design of a number of the stadium's stands.

I’ve really enjoyed the experience because I’ve been able to complete the majority of the work independently. Where I’ve struggled with something, it has given me the opportunity to learn about it in my own time and come back with a much better understanding that I can use in my work going forward.

What has Front Five brought to your apprenticeship and development?

All of it: training, mentorship and hands-on experience.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit sites and see designs go from ink on paper to massive, complex valve arrangements and ductwork layouts in front of my eyes.

I’ve also undertaken various courses to develop my knowledge and skillset, including AutoCAD and Passivhaus, alongside my formal education.

My education is now progressing to a degree-level apprenticeship, which is the next step in that development.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like seeing the progression of the building services throughout a project.

Whether it’s value engineering a pre-determined Stage 3 design or starting from scratch and seeing my own design change and adapt as issues arise, it’s rewarding to see how it develops.

Seeing that progression all the way through to the services being physically installed is always a great feeling.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship in building services?

You’re on the right path.

It’ll seem like a lot at first, but working and learning at the same time is one of the best ways to develop your time management skills. You also start finding your own ways of working and shortcuts that can help you both in and outside of work.

Where do you see your career taking you?

The immediate goal is to graduate and earn my degree.

From there, I’d like to move more towards a managerial position while continuing to improve my KSBs: Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

For Max, completing his Level 4 apprenticeship is another step in a career that has already taken him from college into live building services projects across a wide range of sectors.

His progression to a degree-level apprenticeship means that learning and practical experience will continue to go hand in hand as he develops his career at Front Five.

A huge well done to Max and everyone progressing through their training. We're looking forward to welcoming our next apprentices to Front Five in the coming months.