Are you keen to find out what the transition is like going from the familiar routine of school to the fast-paced environment of building services? If so, applying for an apprenticeship at Gratte Brothers may be for you! If this sounds like you, then reading on to find out how current apprentices are getting on is a great place to start, and then check out our Vacancies page to see if we’re currently recruiting for any apprentices (we recruit regularly so even if there’s nothing listed now, be sure to keep checking back!).
Being an apprentice at Gratte Brothers is hands-on. You’ll land directly into projects that involve working on real tasks as a valued member of the team, collaborating on internal processes, or delivering components for innovative projects. Don’t worry though, you’ll have an experienced mentor and the full support of the team behind you!
In recent years, our apprentices have worked on a whole range of projects. So, for National Apprentice Week, we asked 9 of them about their experience at Gratte Brothers, what they’ve worked on so far, and why they want to work in the built environment.
Cody Skeggs
Team: Gratte Brothers | Group, Estimating
Course: Building Services Engineering Service and Maintenance Engineer Level 3
Training Provider: Skills4Stem
“My name is Cody, and I’m an estimating apprentice at Gratte Brothers. I work within the estimating department, mainly in the electrical discipline, and since joining, I’ve been involved in an array of jobs spread across the country. Many of the recent projects have been data centres for major infrastructure, including those supporting the financial sector. I’ve also been part of work in iconic London landmarks, as well as for major brands like a 100-year-old British luxury car and aero-engine manufacture and an American multinational banking institution.
Recent progress update from our Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions project in Central London.
I originally chose Gratte Brothers because of the family history and the well-rounded culture of the company. With a long track record of major projects across various sectors, it’s clear the company has continued to expand and adapt with the times. I first came into estimating over six years ago as a business trainee and found myself genuinely interested in project tendering, so much so that I never ended up leaving the discipline.
One of the biggest challenges early on was adapting. Moving from a small town into a big city and suddenly being surrounded by the competitive nature of the industry, along with the sheer scale of the projects, was daunting at first. Over time, I learned to build confidence as my skills developed, and that helped me overcome those initial hurdles.
During my time here, I’ve gained a variety of skills and knowledge. This includes everything from developing a strong technical understanding of projects and the stages of a tender, to learning estimation software, how it works, how to populate it, and how it supports our work. I’ve also improved my social and communication skills, especially when working with different companies while maintaining a professional approach.
The most rewarding part so far has been the site visits. Being able to walk into offices in Canary Wharf and see firsthand what goes on inside such major organisations has been an incredible experience, and it’s motivating to know I play even a small part in that environment.
The programme has largely matched my expectations, although I underestimated how much hands-on, practical exposure would enhance my understanding. I’ve also had broad exposure to the tendering process as a whole, and it’s made me aspire to continue developing my technical knowledge. Whether that’s through take-offs, understanding overheads and profits, or learning more about how we ensure we remain commercially strong as a business.‑on, practical exposure would enhance my understanding. I’ve also had broad exposure to the tendering ‑offs, understanding overheads and profits, or learning more about how we ensure we remain commercially strong as a business.
If I had one piece of advice for future apprentices, graduates, or applicants, it would be not to panic about development. Many people feel overwhelmed trying to understand everything from day one or comparing themselves to others. People at Gratte Brothers have spent years learning through all types of exposure, so there’s no need to rush.”
Precious Horner
Team: Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions, Service and Maintenance
Course: Commercial Catering Equipment Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship
Training Provider: ECTA Training
Hi everyone! My name is Precious, and since August, I have been a Catering Engineer Apprentice at Gratte Brothers | Foodservice Solutions. I’m really enjoying getting stuck in: learning on the job, building technical skills and growing my confidence day by day.
I’m part of the Catering team, and I’ve been involved in both planned servicing and repairs on catering equipment. It’s been a great introduction to how different appliances work, how to diagnose issues on site, and what it’s like to be part of a busy engineering team.
I chose Gratte Brothers because I wanted a place where I could build real, practical skills and feel supported along the way. What stood out to me was how much the company invests in people, no matter your background, and how much respect and encouragement there is across the team. The catering route felt right for me because it’s hands-on, varied, and gives me a clear path to grow.‑on, varied, and gives me a clear path to grow.
At first, my biggest challenge was confidence. I worried about making mistakes or asking questions that might sound “silly.” Working alongside the Catering team helped me change that mindset quickly. I’ve learned that mistakes are part of learning, everyone starts somewhere, and asking questions is how you get better. Now I’m much more comfortable speaking up, trying new tasks, and learning from whatever comes my way.
I’ve already picked up a lot, both at work and in college. On the technical side, I’ve learned how to change a thermocouple and safely disassemble and reassemble gas pipework. I’ve also been trained on key safety checks: let‑by tests (typically 7–10 mbar, with failures indicating gas passing a closed ECV), stabilisation tests (2 minutes), and tightness tests (20–21 mbar, where any significant pressure drop can point to a leak depending on site conditions). Getting confident with these fundamentals and applying them to real jobs, has been one of the most rewarding parts so far, along with getting involved in more PPMs and repairs.
This apprenticeship has absolutely matched my expectations. If anything, it’s exceeded them. I feel supported, I’m progressing at a steady pace, and I’m excited about where this can lead. Looking ahead, once I complete my catering apprenticeship, I’d love to expand into refrigeration and installations so I can broaden my skills even further.
If I had one piece of advice for future apprentices or applicants, it would be this: never be ashamed to make mistakes or ask questions. That’s exactly how you learn. Keep asking, keep trying, and give yourself permission to grow, because that’s what an apprenticeship is all about.
Robyn Gray
Team: Gratte Brothers | Building Services Engineering, Electrical Apprentice
Course: Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrical Course
Training Provider: JTL
Hey, I’m Robyn, and I’m an Electrical Apprentice with Gratte Brothers. I’m currently working on a Data Centre project in Canary Wharf, which has given me the opportunity to get hands-‑on with some really interesting and complex work. Most recently, our team completed a two-‑week night shift programme replacing obsolete cables with new ones. That involved carrying out full shutdowns of servers, PDUs, and splitter panels.
I chose Gratte Brothers because of their strong reputation, long‑standing client relationships, and the way they look after their people. I also knew I wanted to take the electrical route because I’ve always been fascinated by the physics of how electricity works: where it’s generated, how it’s distributed, and how it ultimately powers our homes and buildings. The electrical industry has so many different paths you can take, and I liked the idea that I’d be learning something challenging that would keep my brain active and engaged.
One of the biggest challenges I faced actually happened before my apprenticeship even started, I broke my leg and twisted my ankle. I was worried it might affect my place, but Gratte Brothers reassured me immediately. They made me feel supported and confident that my position was secure, and that meant a lot during a stressful time.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers, you’re not expected to. What matters is being willing to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and “fail forward.” That mindset has helped me grow massively.
The most rewarding part of the experience has been the variety. No two days are the same, and I like being challenged. I’ve enjoyed learning practical skills like how to make an armoured gland, and I’m constantly building confidence the more time I spend on site.
I didn’t have any expectations when I first started; I preferred to take each day as it comes. But being exposed to different teams, roles, and environments has given me a much broader sense of where my career could go. There’s so much opportunity in this trade once you understand how many directions it can take you.
For any future apprentices, especially women considering a craft trade, my advice would be this: no matter your age or background, you can always start fresh, and when you do, choose to stand out. Women are still underrepresented in this industry, and that’s exactly why your presence matters. Whatever route you choose, make it your own, enjoy it, and stay safe while you learn and grow.
Kian Mahoney
Team: Gratte Brothers | Building Services & Engineering, Electrical Apprentice
Course: Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrical Course
Training Provider: JTL
Hi all, I’m Kian Mahoney and electrical apprentice currently working as part of a team based on a Data centre project in Hayes. It’s been a great environment to build my skills and get hands-on experience with real systems on a live site.
I chose to work at Gratte Brothers because the more I learned about the company, the more it aligned with what I wanted to do. I wasn’t completely sure of my direction when I left school, but the electrical apprenticeship route felt like the perfect way to gain technical knowledge while learning directly on site. The combination of practical experience and structured development really appealed to me.
Like any apprentice, I’ve made mistakes along the way, but that’s natural. The important thing is not being afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure about a task, speaking up is the fastest way to learn and avoid repeating errors.
I’ve learned a lot since joining, but a key moment for me recently was mounting and connecting Motorised Smoke Fire Damper’s on the project I’m on now. It was something completely new to me, and getting the chance to install and understand a system I hadn’t worked on before was a great experience.
The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship so far has been seeing my own progression each year: growing in confidence, building new skills, and realising how far I’ve come since day one. The experience has matched my expectations. I knew it would be challenging at times, but I also knew I would enjoy the work and feel proud of what I’m doing.
I’ve also had exposure to different roles, such as spending six months with the testing team on another data centre project for the world’s largest data centre provider in Slough. That time gave me a completely different perspective on how things operate and helped broaden my understanding of the electrical process from start to finish.
My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it. It might seem daunting at first, but once you get started, your confidence will grow, your skills will build, and you’ll realise it was the right decision.
If you’d like to work on projects like these, our apprenticeships go live mid easter. Check out our early careers page to learn more about our apprentice and graduate programmes at our King’s Cross HQ and other opportunities at Gratte Brothers offices across the UK.