Apprenticeship Offers Direction for Luke - WEB As part of NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February, we will be sharing profiles of SERC apprentices at different levels who are employed in a range of sectors. Today we meet Luke Kinnear.
A Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Civil Engineering is proving the right direction for Luke Kinnear who is keen to share the advantages of earning while you learn.
Luke (18), from Ballynahinch, had decided he wanted to move on from school before he had completed his GCSEs. The young man who had been working part-time on a dairy farm, took on a full-time position following his GCESs, but knew that it was only temporary for a year. He said, “I first heard about the civil engineering apprenticeship at a social event. One of the lads mentioned he was doing this apprenticeship, and I thought that it sounded good – working, earning and getting a qualification.
“The summer before I started the apprenticeship, my dad helped me get a placement with Charles Brand. It was great experience and it helped me secure an apprentice position with them. I would recommend to anyone interested in an apprenticeship to go and try something in the area you are interested in working, if possible.
“I like being out working, you are expanding your knowledge every day, and no two days are the same. Most recently, I was involved in the construction of the bridge across the dual carriageway between Comber and Bangor, part of the Greenway which Charles Brand are contracted. I was involved in the team responsible for helping organise where things would go on the site.”
Asked about his plans, Luke said, “At the minute I am happy to keep working with Charles Brand, gaining experience and successfully completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Civil Engineering. I do want to progress but am keeping my options open.”
Speaking about the moving on from school, Luke said, “I am in college one day a week and it is different from school. It is a bit more relaxed, but at the same time, you are responsible for keeping up with assignments. What I am learning in college, I can apply in the workplace and what I am learning out on site, I am able to bring back to the class.” Luke concluded, “When you are an apprentice, you are employed, so that comes with everything you would expect when you go to work - time keeping, being professional and teamwork. I think the apprenticeship route is the best way to go, and getting paid certainly helps when it comes to paying for things, like a car.”
Would-be apprentices and employers are invited to SERC during NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February 2026, for a packed schedule of activities including Have a Go Sessions - from 4.30 – 7.00pm Thursday 5 February (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses). For further information visit serc.ac.uk/NIAW2026
