Fayza Khan started university at 18, then took a year out before deciding not to return. Even though she had part time jobs, she was never quite sure what she really wanted to do. She came across the Kickstart programme and a six-month placement with QTS as an civils operative based from the Preston office.

“When I started at QTS, it was the first real chance I had to prove myself in a job that I saw a future in. I asked lots of questions and I did worry that I was being annoying, but the team were really reassuring and said to keep asking as that was how I would learn.”

With her contract due to expire, her hard work paid off, with Fayza offered a permanent place with QTS as a trainee structures examiner.

She said: “I’d really enjoyed the work I’d been doing with QTS, so when I was offered this job, I knew it was such a good opportunity that I didn’t want to waste it”.

Starting her journey with QTS in 2024, Aimee has been working hard towards becoming a fully qualified engineer.

“Since starting with QTS as a Trainee Engineer, I’ve completed many training courses which include SMSTS, ALO, TWS, IRATA – this allows me to help complete projects from different perspectives at once. I have learned a huge amount in the time I have been with QTS by working on multiple sites, this experience helped me to gain a more in depth understanding of engineering which led to me passing my Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering and my End Point Assessment.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the amazing support, encouragement, and knowledge from QTS and my manager.

“In September I am due to start my Civil Engineering Degree with QTS. Completing my degree alongside working goes hand in hand, as it allows me to gain more experience by understanding and putting engineering principles into practice while learning.”

Emma has worked for QTS since 2019 starting off as and HR & Payroll Assistant and making her way up to HR Advisor. Read her story…

“QTS is unique in the opportunities it affords all it’s staff, whether this it through formal training or speaking with other people within the business to further your knowledge of your role and the industry. I have recently completed my Level 5 CIPD qualification which was funded by QTS, this allowed me to further my personal development and really develop within my role.

“The culture and the investment that they put into staff. QTS are constantly encouraging and supporting members of staff to go through training and development, from college to university courses, to in-house training. It is also great to see individuals progressing through from entry level roles to management positions and knowing that the company has supported them through this development.”

John started with QTS in 2000 at age 18, just looking for a summer job. Read his story…

“When I started the business was very much in its early stages but I was encouraged by the way it was run and the assistance and support of the experienced staff, I quickly realised that this was the job for me.

“Thankfully, over the course of my first six months I had impressed the boss and owner (Alan Mcleish) who decided to invest in me and out me through a lot of training and qualifications like Coss and Machine Controller! From here I went on to acting supervisor leading the team by example and building relations with the clients while better learning and understanding the client’s needs. Now I hold the role of Contracts Manager thanks to the experience and support of QTS. There has always been support and a level platform for all staff to build on their qualifications through training and experience at QTS.”