At Swansea Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG), we are proud to support young people entering the construction industry through high-quality apprenticeships and development opportunities. But these are only made possible because of the commitment of our member companies. One shining example can be seen in Harrison Jones, a 17-year-old apprentice engineer currently gaining experience with Andrew Scott.
Andrew Scott is one of Wales’s oldest and most respected independent construction companies. With over 150 years of experience, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality civil engineering and construction services to both public and private sector clients.
Harrison’s interest in engineering was inspired by his grandfather, who worked as a civil engineer. “Growing up, I would always see and take interest in the drawings he would bring home,” he recalls. That early influence encouraged him to pursue a similar path. When his college lecturer mentioned an opportunity with Andrew Scott, Harrison didn’t hesitate to apply. After an interview, he secured his apprenticeship and began his journey in construction.
Harrison is currently working on a major project constructing a scrapyard for Tata Steel, supporting the development of a new arc furnace. His role offers a wide variety of on-site experience, combining technical precision with practical learning.
“I help set out the pins for the corner and saw cut on the slabs for the carpenters to fit the shuttering,” he explains. “I’m also on concrete pour days doing slump tests for each wagon.” This, he says, gives him valuable insight into both the engineering and operational sides of construction.
Since joining Andrew Scott, Harrison has received strong support to develop his skills and knowledge. “My company has greatly supported my learning by sending me on courses like the CCNSG,” he says. The CCNSG is a nationally recognised health and safety programme for construction workers, ensuring competence in safe working practices, risk management, and site regulations.
On site, Harrison works closely with a senior engineer who guides him through new tasks, as well as a mentor who allows him to apply what he learns: “I do all of my engineering
work with my mentor – he’s always showing me new techniques and then letting me try after observing a few times.”
Harrison’s involvement in setting out and concrete testing has already contributed to the smooth running of site operations, helping activities run efficiently and easing pressure on the wider engineering team.
Harrison also recognises that his generation has an important role in driving change within the industry, noting that younger workers “are bringing in perspectives and new ways of working compared to older approaches.”
His experience with Andrew Scott has confirmed his desire to progress in civil engineering. “My time at my company has made me realise that the field I am in is exactly what I want to do in the future,” he says. “I want to be a civil engineer and hopefully work my way up in my company.”
For others considering a career in construction, Harrison recommends pursuing an apprenticeship. “In my opinion, it’s the best way to work in this industry because you get on-the-job experience while getting your qualification.” He also highlights the importance of encouraging young people into the sector, observing that “if young people don’t take interest in construction, there will be no one to build new housing or commercial buildings.”
At SBCSG, we are proud to support our member companies, including Andrew Scott, in providing apprenticeships that give young people meaningful, hands-on experience and a clear pathway into the construction industry. Through practical training, mentorship, and ongoing guidance on site, apprentices like Harrison develop technical skills, build confidence, and feel valued as part of the team, while contributing to projects that help shape the future of construction in Wales.