When you apply for a LEAD apprenticeship with leading construction supplier Hanson UK, you can earn a great salary with the option of a fully funded degree! Find out more…
Hanson UK is a leading supplier of heavy building materials to the construction industry including aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, cement and cement-related materials. We are all about
being part of one team. We employ over 3,500 people in a wide range of roles across 300 operational sites.
Why apply for our higher apprenticeship LEAD programme?
- Three years paid employment in a key industry while studying for a level 5 mineral products technician higher apprenticeship.
- Earn a great salary with benefits and discounts while gaining qualifications and experience.
- Learn a wide range of practical skills – operational, technical and commercial – in a varied environment while you earn.
- Hanson’s learning education and development (LEAD) programme gives you a range of skills to ensure you’re ready for the next stage of your career with us at a supervisor level.
- Option of a two-year top up to a BSc (Hons) degree in minerals management fully funded by us.
- Join a group of our LEAD higher apprentices throughout the UK with a strong supportive network.
- Long-running and well-developed programme.
LEAD apprenticeship programme details
Our Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) higher apprenticeship programme is designed to nurture the managers our business needs for the future.
Hanson’s LEAD programme has proven to be an ideal launching pad for those who wish to develop a long-term career in the mineral sector. We now have former LEAD programme participants employed across the business in a diverse range of roles from cement process engineer, to kiln production engineer to assistant quarry managers, sales managers, technicians to carbon innovation manager.
LEAD qualifications: The key focus is a blended learning higher apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology  (level 5) with a diploma from the University of Derby.  The programme includes business and operational management as well as production facility engineering and an NVQ level 4 competence qualification in safety, Health and Environmental Management.
Our LEAD higher apprentices are based at operational sites.  They follow a detailed onsite  practical training programme alongside the University of Derby study programme.
On successful completion of the higher apprenticeship  learners will have the opportunity to top up their qualification to a Bachelors of Science (Hons) degree in minerals management with a further two years study supported by the company.
OUR STORIES: Felicity Nkomo, LEAD trainee supervisor
It was a great introduction to an industry I knew little about. I enjoyed the variety of practical placements and projects I did across the business. It gave me a strong base to start from and a chance to prove myself.
LEAD apprenticeships
What support will I get?
You will have help from your manager, mentor, our talent and development team, site managers and current and previous LEAD apprentices.
What roles are available after our LEAD programme?
A wide range – from production and plant supervisors, operational, transport and distribution managers to technical and commercial roles.
You can embark upon an exciting career where you can gain a broad spectrum of valuable skills, learn about the mineral products industry and work for a company committed to improving sustainability!
Interested? To apply, you need:
- At least 80 UCAS points at A/AS level/ BTEC/NVQ/Scottish Highers or equivalent
standard including at least one STEM subject. - Five GCSEs or equivalent at grade four/C or above including maths, English and science.
- Candidates with Welsh Baccalaureate, Diploma, BTEC (including at least 1 STEM subject), NVQ at level 3 or Scottish Highers etc or an advanced level apprenticeship
- Full UK driving licence (or have this in place by the September start date).
Meeting the LEAD challenge
Combining work and study is ideal for those who enjoy being part of a supportive team and are self-motivated when it comes to their own development.
Our LEAD trainee supervisors complete a minimum of six hours studying per week within work time. To get the best out of the experience our LEAD trainee supervisors are also expected to learn by action – getting out on site supported by their supervisor.
Our LEAD trainee supervisors also need to be clear communicators and open to new experiences as they will complete secondments around a number of sites gaining experience across our business. A flexible and can-do attitude will also help them adapt to the different roles they will get to try out during the programme.
Progression on the LEAD programme is subject to satisfactory performance during years one and two. You must be willing to relocate and may be asked to transfer to another Hanson UK location at any time during your training. Relocation after year three will be required.
LEAD Rewards and benefits
Working while you learn is a fast-track way of gaining experience and qualifications without accumulating the debt now associated with traditional university courses. Plus, on completion, you have a ready-made career with a leading company, on which you are already a few rungs up the ladder. Â Â
During the three-year programme our LEAD trainee supervisors are offered:
- A starting salary of £20,592 (£22,984 London weighting)
- Annual salary review on successful completion of each year’s programme
- 27 days paid holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension contributions
- Benefits portal providing retail discounts
Our working week is 40 hours. Apprentices will, on occasion, be required to fit in with the shift patterns operated at some of our sites.
LEAD mentoring and support
Providing support and feedback to our LEAD trainee supervisors is fundamental to ensuring they realise their full potential.
Our LEAD trainee supervisors are fully supported by both a manager and a mentor throughout the three-year programme as well as the talent and development team. Â Monthly reviews are held with the manager to assess progress and apprentices will meet with their mentor at least quarterly for inspiration and support.
The apprentices also have regular contact with their LEAD colleagues at various training days, at University of Derby sessions, group meetings as well as via social media contact groups.
OUR STORIES: Ryan Murphy, LEAD programme graduate
Ryan Murphy is now a business development manager after successfully completing his LEAD programme.
I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced both operational and commercial roles across the business and I am truly grateful for the support Hanson has offered me over the years. The LEAD programme set me up with the skills and qualifications I needed to build a career in the industry and with Hanson I can see plenty of further opportunities for the future.
Information for prospective applicants
An apprenticeship at Hanson UK offers the first steps towards a rewarding and varied career in the minerals sector, as well as the chance to secure valuable qualifications.
Hanson offers a variety of apprenticeships including Craft Apprenticeships in Engineering (mechanical and electrical fitters), mobile and static plant operative apprenticeships, road surfacing  operatives,  laboratory technicians, and HGV driver apprenticeship as well as our customer service  apprenticeship and our Higher apprenticeship Mineral Products Technician (LEAD programme).  Our apprenticeships run at various times throughout the year.  If an apprenticeship vacancy you are interested in is not currently open please register your interest.
Our LEAD Programme offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences across our business and locations.
Find out more at hanson-careers.co.uk/apprenticeships.
