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.”

Ben Blyth is an HGV apprentice who joined QTS in the summer of 2024. He discovered the role through our website and, as a young person with a strong interest in HGV mechanics, decided to apply. Ben went through the recruitment process by submitting his CV and then attending an interview.

“I’ve really enjoyed the apprenticeship so far. The team in the workshop have been really supportive and are always keen to get me working on the vehicles and doing things independently. It’s definitely helpful to have the support there if you need it but not be micro-managed!”

Ben has been working steadily towards his qualification since joining QTS, receiving regular on-site assessments from CITB college staff and meetings with QTS workforce development staff to review his progress and overall experience.

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.”