The directors at Hybrid have been thinking about something that comes up in every industry conversation lately; the skills shortage. Everyone talks about it, but not many people are doing much about it. We’ve decided we want to be different.
Apprenticeships aren’t an afterthought or a tick-box exercise. They’re genuinely central to how we operate, and I think there’s a reason that approach works.
Here’s what we do differently.
Instead of treating apprentices like they’re “learning the ropes” from the sidelines, we get them involved in real projects from day one. Working alongside experienced engineers on live jobs across the UK, whether that’s planned preventative maintenance in Manchester, EV charging installations in London, or full M&E upgrades on infrastructure projects. Our apprentices aren’t just watching, they’re contributing, as development starts immediately in job roles, not after some arbitrary waiting period.
When we started Hybrid in 2013, it was because we believed the industry needed a more thoughtful, people-first approach. Our apprenticeship programme is just an extension of that thinking. We invest in people who bring curiosity and energy, and they grow alongside the business.
What we’ve learned over the years is the best people don’t always follow traditional paths. Some of our strongest team members didn’t have the “expected” background or qualifications. They came through opportunity, trust, and proper hands-on support.
The way we’re structured helps. We handle everything from consultancy and design through to delivery and maintenance. So apprentices get to see how their work connects to the bigger picture, building performance, client relationships and long-term outcomes. And honestly, they keep us thinking differently. They ask questions we might have stopped asking, bringing new perspectives we wouldn’t have considered.
The proof is in the results. Many of our former apprentices now lead projects and mentor others. They’re shaping what Hybrid becomes next, which feels like the right kind of progression.
Kyle Jones understood the value of apprenticeships long before it became an industry talking point. Through his own business, he’d taken on multiple apprentices, watching them develop from day one into skilled professionals. That experience taught him what proper apprentice development looks like and it’s exactly what he brought to Hybrid.
If you’re thinking about your next move or know someone who might be interested, visit our careers page has the current apprenticeship opportunities.
And if you want to hear what it’s actually like from someone living it, Jack shares his experience on our Instagram, linked here.
Because investing in people isn’t just smart business, it’s what builds a better industry for everyone.