We’re shaping futures across our team, and celebrating the achievements of our apprentices. Here’s apprentice Jess’s story.

Jess Shaw joined NMWTRA after seven years working on Super Yachts around the world and travelling.

The experience equipped Jess with essential life skills applicable to the workplace including problem-solving, adaptability, communication skills, resourcefulness and confidence.

Jess said: “I was lucky to work and travel around the world, and I had some amazing experiences which have given me skills which I can transfer to the workplace.

Moving around a lot in my job meant I had to be adaptable, this is useful for my apprenticeship as I am working within all the different units and departments across the Agency.”

She continued: “I’m really enjoying my time at NMWTRA so far and feel like everyone has been supportive and invested in helping me to progress. All the staff have been welcoming and happy to help, which has made it easy to settle in. I’ve already learnt a lot since starting and feel like I’m still learning something new every day.

I’ve had the chance to spend time with several departments, including Inspections, Health & Safety, Traffic Officer Services, the Control Room, Communications, Streetworks, Assistant Route Managers (ARMs), and now the Tunnel Resilience team. Every team works differently, but it’s been great seeing how they all link together and keep everything running day to day.”

Jess has completed several training courses, including Working at Heights and Confined Space Awareness, the LANTRA Highway Safety Inspection course, and she has gained her CSCS card.

Jess said: “These have helped to build my confidence and understand my work better, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and develop as my apprenticeship goes on.

Overall, I’m happy that I chose to work at NMWTRA. It’s a great organisation to be a part of, and I find everyday exciting and rewarding.”

Jess plans to complete the HNC in Civil Engineering before studying for a degree.