Howard Civil Engineering (HCE) are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of one of our apprentices, Blake Mills, who has been awarded a Term 1 Excellence Award by Leeds College of Building.
Blake’s award recognises his 100% attendance and consistent commitment to completing and submitting work to a high standard, attributes that reflect both his personal dedication and his professional attitude to learning and development.
Recognising Commitment and Potential
Blake’s achievement is a testament to the qualities that underpin success in the construction industry: reliability, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Maintaining full attendance while balancing the demands of an apprenticeship demonstrates a level of commitment that sets a strong foundation for a long-term career.
At HCE, we actively seek out individuals who show this kind of drive and determination. Blake’s recognition is not only a personal milestone but also an example of the high standards we encourage across all our apprentices.
Investing in the Next Generation
As one of the North’s leading civil engineering contractors, HCE have built our reputation on quality, safety, and long-term relationships. A key part of that success is our ongoing investment in apprenticeships, helping to develop the next generation of construction professionals.
We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to enter the industry, providing them with:
- Hands-on site experience
- Structured academic learning
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Clear career progression pathways
By combining practical experience with formal education, apprentices like Blake gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving sector.
The Value of Strong Training Partnerships
Our collaboration with Leeds College of Building plays a vital role in this journey. As the UK’s only specialist further education college dedicated to construction, the college delivers industry-focused training that equips students with real-world skills.
The college has also received national recognition for its commitment to apprenticeships, including being named Construction Apprenticeship College of the Year, highlighting its impact on developing future talent in the industry.
This partnership ensures that apprentices benefit from both academic excellence and practical application, creating well-rounded professionals ready to contribute from day one.
Building Careers for the Future
Blake’s success is a reminder of what can be achieved when talent, opportunity, and support come together. At HCE, we are committed to continuing this investment—supporting apprentices not just in gaining qualifications, but in building meaningful, long-term careers within the construction industry.
We congratulate Blake on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing his continued development as part of the HCE team.