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Apprentice to Mentor: A Spotlight on Aiden Salmons

It's National Careers Week, and what a great time to reflect on the significance of career pathways and how the decisions we make can shape our future. Let's hear from EDGE's first ever apprentice, Aiden Salmons.

What is your current role, and how long have you been with EDGE?
I’m a Cost Manager based in the Sheffield office, and I started at EDGE when I was 19 years old – this will be my eighth year in the company.

How did you get into the industry?
At sixth form I applied to universities but didn’t really know what to do, and I wasn’t too keen on going to university full time. My Dad is a Cost Manager, so I was aware of what the role involved, and he encouraged me to step into the industry. Not long after I shared my interest in Cost Management, I ended up getting a few weeks of work experience at EDGE and have stayed here ever since! It’s a great company to work for, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team.

What was your experience like as an apprentice?
For the first five years, I spent one day studying at university, and the other four days working at EDGE. I was exposed to loads of different projects, clients and sectors and had a varied experience every week which I really enjoyed! Over the years, it’s given me the opportunity to develop my sector specialism in food and retail.

Aiden has pushed me to excel in every aspect of my work, and having him as my manager and role model has put me on a great career path to become a top level Cost Manager like himself.

When did you become a line manager?
In August 2023, when Vincent McConway-Gee joined on the five-year apprenticeship, the same one I did. There’s lots to learn with managing people as it’s a different skill set to my day job, but I’m enjoying the experience. It’s a different mindset when you become someone’s ‘go-to’ person, it requires a different way of thinking, but EDGE has line manager training and lots of support so it’s been great to pass on my knowledge to a new apprentice and guide him as best I can.

 

For those seeking apprenticeships in construction, gaining knowledge about the industry is crucial. Asking questions and understanding the intricacies of the work involved can set the foundations for a successful career.

National Careers Week is not just a celebration of individual careers but an opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals.

Aiden’s journey at EDGE showcases the potential and possibilities that apprenticeships offer in the construction industry.

For more information on apprenticeships at EDGE, email contact@edgeps.co.uk

Further reading

EDGE implements industry leading mental health policy

In response to calls to improve the construction sector's poor mental health record, EDGE rewrites its policy.

Celebrating Volunteers: EDGE’s Impact on Local Communities

EDGE takes pride in celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteers across the UK.

Appointment to Cambridge Children’s Hospital

EDGE is delighted to be appointed for Cost Management services for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH) for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.