How Arcade UK uses apprenticeship to build in house engineering capability
Iain Hoey
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Apprenticeship approach outlined by Arcade UK
Arcade UK has outlined how it uses apprenticeship routes to build workforce capability and support growth plans.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) published an interview with Sam Williams, Project Director at Arcade UK, described as BESA’s National Contractor of the Year 2025 and part of its SEED Programme.
Williams said: “They are central to how we build the business for the long term.
“They are the heartbeat of our company, and we want our apprentices to become our leaders of tomorrow.”
The interview links apprenticeship investment to developing young engineers locally and responding to what Williams described as a skills issue in the industry.
Arcade UK described a delivery model that pairs an in-house lead engineer with an apprentice, with the aim of expanding in-house capability and reducing reliance on subcontractors.
Williams said: “They reduce over-reliance on subcontractors by building and expanding our in-house capability.
“We now use a model where we have an in-house lead engineer and an apprentice directly underneath.
“That supports profitability and resilience and shows us as a responsible employer who can help grow our team’s careers.”
How training partners and competency requirements shape delivery
BESA’s interview also set out how Arcade UK works with colleges and training providers and how it expects apprenticeship training to support future competency requirements.
Arcade UK said it works closely with Cambridgeshire Regional College to support apprenticeship routes, help identify courses, assist with candidates if needed and represent the company at careers fairs.
The interview describes early set-up as overwhelming and links progress to time spent finding responsive training partners.
Williams said: “Use the resources that already exist.
“We found providers through City and Guilds resources, and you can either start with the training package you need then find a college, or approach local colleges and ask what they are able to support.”
Arcade UK said it has apprentices across building services, electrical, air conditioning, service and maintenance, alongside routes linked to design engineering and project management.
The interview links apprenticeships to tighter competency requirements, including SKILLcards and task certification, and describes day-to-day impacts such as producing reports and documentation for management teams and customers.
Arcade UK said it is aiming for around 100 staff by 2030 and expects to employ 30 to 40 apprentices over the next three to four years.
The interview adds that current apprentices are expected to form part of a future senior management team and director group over the next 15 years.