For over half a century, Shropshire Chamber member Pave-Aways is an award-winning construction company built on high-quality, long-lasting service, while investing in skills, apprenticeships and training to support the future of construction across Shropshire.
How Pave Aways invest in young people
Pave Aways’ strong family culture has underpinned its investment in apprentices, providing young people with a supportive learning environment and clear opportunities to grow and progress within the company. The business typically recruits around five apprentices each year, with almost all progressing into permanent roles.
This success is driven by a structured, long-term approach that includes mentoring, formal training, pastoral support and clear progression routes. Apprentices gain hands-on experience through live projects, with training delivered both on site and via college, ensuring learning is practical, relevant and immediately applied.
Sabrina Davies, Training and Welfare Manager, said, “We wanted to take a more long-approach to apprenticeships and really focus on developing talent and growing our team. That approach had come full circle, with many now being training by colleagues who started here as apprentices themselves.”
Apprentices are recruited through strong partnerships with Telford College, Shrewsbury College, SBC, as well as Wrexham University and the University of Wolverhampton, supported by active engagement with local schools such as William Brookes School and Mary Webb School to promote careers in construction from an early age.
Why should you employ apprentices?
With an ageing workforce and a well-documented skills gap across the construction industry, Pave-Aways recognised the need to take a more proactive, long-term approach to workforce development. Historically, the company’s average employee age sat in the high 50s, prompting a strategic shift towards apprenticeships.
“We invest in apprenticeships as a long-term approach to future-proof and strengthen our workforce, giving us the opportunity to grow our own talent and develop people who want to grow alongside Pave-Aways,” explained Victoria Lawson, Commercial Director.
Modern apprenticeships can be tailored to meet individual business needs, making them an effective way for Pave-Aways to develop people who align with their values, quality standards and working culture from the outset. In turn, apprentices bring enthusiasm, adaptability and genuine long-term potential, becoming a valued part of the business as they progress.
Soft skills embedded through training
Pave-Aways offers a range of apprenticeship pathways, including site carpentry, quantity surveying and site management, alongside its Property Maintenance Operative programme. This route provides broad, hands-on experience across multiple construction disciplines, helping individuals develop a well-rounded skillset before specialising.
Alongside technical training, equal emphases is placed on building the behaviours needed to succeed in the workplace. From the outset, apprentices are given real responsibility, helping to build confidence, accountability and pride in their work. They learn alongside experienced role models at different stages of their careers, while also receiving training in areas such as communication, respect at work, mental health and wellbeing.
“Embedding these skills through the apprenticeship programme helps young people build confidence in themselves and in how they work with others, whether that’s recognising when someone may need support or feeling comfortable to speak up,” added Sabrina.
Skills employers look out for
“We don’t expect young people to leave full-time education with transferable skills already in place, but there are certain qualities that we look for,” said Victoria.
Pave-Aways values a positive attitude, willingness to learn, reliability and a genuine interest in construction. Its recruitment process is designed to give both the business and the individual confidence in the right fit, incorporating college assessment days, interviews, on-site trials and short-term paid placements.
This approach ensures candidates have a clear understanding of the role and what’s expected, while giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their potential in a practical setting.
From apprentice to a full-time career
Several senior members of Pave-Aways’ team began their careers as apprentices, with long-serving employees now playing an active role in developing the next generation.
One standout example of an apprentice turned mentor is Paul Brooke, who joined the business almost 30 years ago and now mentors apprentices such as Aaron Pritchard. Aaron initially started as a site labourer before moving into carpentry after discovering a passion for the trade.
“I was eager to learn and prove myself in construction, and after a year on site I knew I wanted to take the next step towards carpentry. I’m very grateful that Pave-Aways gave me this opportunity, and for Paul’s mentorship throughout the whole learning experience,” said Aaron.
Spreading the word about careers in construction
Pave-Aways’ commitment to strengthening the future of the local construction industry extends beyond its business. The company regularly engages with schools, colleges and careers events, hosts site visits, and supports construction courses through sponsorship, donated materials and staff involvement.
There is also a focus on encouraging greater diversity withing the industry, including actively promoting construction career to young women and helping challenge outdated perceptions of the sector.
“Building our future together, together” is more than just motto at Pave-Aways; it reflects a long-standing belief in the value of investing time and support into young people. Through an open-door culture and supportive working environment, apprentices are encouraged to learn, ask questions and grow confidence.
Based in Shropshire, Pave-Aways has built a reputation as a reliable and experienced construction partner, delivering high-quality projects across the region. For more information, contact
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