Higher Apprenticeships at Heidelberg Materials UK

Build your future in construction with one of the world’s leading materials suppliers.

Start Your Career with Purpose - Earn while you learn 

We’re one of the world’s largest suppliers of heavy building materials, with a strong presence across the UK. Our operations span over 300 sites nationwide, including recycling facilities, quarries, cement plants, and concrete production units. Globally, we employ 51,000 people across 3,000 sites in more than 50 countries.

Our core products aggregates, cement, concrete, and asphalt are essential to some of the most ambitious infrastructure and construction projects worldwide. Whether it's building roads, schools, hospitals, or sustainable housing, our materials help create the foundations of modern life.

Whether you're finishing school or exploring a new career path, our Higher Apprenticeships offer a powerful alternative to the traditional university route. You’ll earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience, working towards an industry-recognised qualification - with your university tuition fully funded by us.

You’ll will gain skills in your chosen career working with experienced professionals and study towards an industry recognised qualification.

Support Every Step of the Way

Choosing your next step after school is a big decision. We’re here to support you with clear guidance, mentoring, and a community of peers and professionals who want to see you succeed It’s natural to have questions, At Heidelberg Materials UK, we’re committed to making that transition as smooth and informed as possible.

  • Tailored Mentorship: Receive personalised guidance from experienced professionals who are invested in your development.
  • Supportive Community: Join a network of peers and industry experts who will support and challenge you throughout your journey.
  • Structured Career Development: Follow a clear and progressive development plan designed to help you succeed and grow

  • Applications

  • Applications have closed
  • They will reopen in September 2025

Information for parents and teachers

Supporting your child or student’s next step can feel overwhelming, we get it.

Choosing the right pathway after school is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions.

At Heidelberg Materials UK, we’re committed to making that transition as smooth and informed as possible. That’s why we host live Q&A sessions throughout our early careers recruitment campaign - giving you the chance to hear directly from our team, ask questions, and explore how our Higher Apprenticeship Programme sets young people up for long-term success.

Read more

The 5% Club

Platinum member of the 5% Club 2024/2025

We are a platinum member of The 5% Club, which recognises our commitment and development of employees through our graduate programme, apprenticeships and work placements.
 

At Heidelberg Materials UK, we’re committed to helping you make a confident and informed transition into the world of work.

Applications

Applications are currently closed.

They will reopen in September 2025 - Mark your calendar and check back soon.

What is a Higher Apprenticeship?

A Higher Apprenticeship is a powerful alternative to traditional university study combining paid employment with structured learning and professional development.

Our higher apprenticeships are designed to help you launch a career with impact, while gaining qualifications 

Real Work, Real Experience

You’ll be employed from day one, working alongside experienced professionals on real projects that shape the built environment. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience in your chosen field, whether that’s quantity surveying, site supervision, or mineral products technology.

Structured Learning

Alongside your job, you’ll study part-time with a recognised training provider or university. Your learning is directly linked to your role, so you’ll see how theory applies in practice and vice versa.

Earn While You Learn

Higher apprenticeships are paid roles. You’ll earn a salary while gaining qualifications, meaning you can start your career debt-free and financially independent.

Our Apprenticeship Programmes

Quantity Surveying Technician (Level 6)

Skills you'll gain:

Construction technology, sustainability, contracts, procurement, cost control, financial reporting, data analysis, health & safety.]

Site Supervisor (Level 4)

Skills you'll gain:

Site operations, team leadership, project coordination, health & safety, sustainability.

Mineral Products Technician (Level 5)

Skills you'll gain:

Mineral extraction, operational systems, communications tech, quality control, technical reporting, critical decision-making, health & safety. This programme not only equips you with the technical and operational skills needed in the mineral products industry, but also opens the door to further study, including a two-year top-up degree for those who wish to continue their academic development.

Career Pathways with Focused Development

These programmes are tailored to industry needs, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress quickly. Many of our apprentices go on to become:

  • Senior Technicians
  • Relief Plant Supervisors
  • Production Supervisors
  • Quantity Surveyors
  • Site Supervisors

Ready to Learn More?

Applications re-open in September 2025 - but you can start exploring your future today.

Have Questions? Want to Hear from Our Apprentices?

Curious about what life as an apprentice is really like?

Check out our “Day in the Life” videos and hear directly from current apprentices about their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Watch the videos to get a real insight into the journey.

Higher apprentice Natasha Malloy appearing on a Careers Live broadcast

Higher apprentice Natasha Malloy appearing on a Careers Live broadcast

Higher Apprentice Ben Walpole shares his experience

Heidelberg Materials UK Higher Apprenticeship

Higher Apprentice Ben Walpole shares his experience

Quarry tour with higher apprentice Daniel Kitchen

Quarry tour with Danial Kitchen, a higher apprentice mineral products technician

Quarry tour with Danial Kitchen, a higher apprentice mineral products technician

Why choose a higher apprenticeship with us?
  • A great salary: Earn a competitive salary with a £1,200 welcome bonus and a further £3,000 bonus on completion of your training.
  • Get a degree: Top up to a BSc (Hons) in Mineral Products Management or Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management with no fees. 
  • Hands-on learning: Gain practical experience working with industry professionals and using real equipment from day one.
  • In-demand skills: Learn skills that are in high demand and secure a future that pays and offer stability and opportunities for growth.
  • Professional development: Opportunities for continued learning and career growth including workshops, seminars and networking.
  • Sustainability: Be a part of our commitment to a more sustainable future including decarbonisation, carbon capture and recycling.
  • Cutting-edge technology: Gain the skills to operate the latest advancements in construction and digital technology.
  • Mentoring and support: Ongoing mentorship from senior managers to provide career advice, personal development and guidance.
  • Networking opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry experts at company events, conferences and industry seminars.
  • Diversity and inclusion: We’re proud of our diverse workforce because we know an inclusive workplace makes us more successful.
  • Social value: Get involved in our many charitable and community events throughout the year that also help us win new contracts.
  • Career progression: Early advancement in the company including further opportunities for personal growth and development.
Entry requirements
  • Two A Levels at grade C or above or B-Techs (L3), equivalent (80 UCAS points), preferably including a STEM subject.
  • Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 or above including English, maths and science, or equivalent.
  • A full UK driving licence or waiting to take your test.
Application and recruitment

Submit your application

  • Submit your application by clicking on the vacancy you want apply form at the top of this page. Attach a cover and CV highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience, and reasons for applying to us.

Pre-recorded interview

  • You’ll then be invited to take part in a pre-recorded video interview and record your responses to a series of questions. This will help us assess your communication skills, motivation and suitability for the role.

Assessment day

If you successfully progress past these stages of the recruitment process, you'll be invited to an assessment day that will include:

  • Interactive workshops: Exercises that simulate real job scenarios and challenges.
  • Group discussions: Activities to demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills.
  • Written assessment: A one-hour written task on health and safety.

Application outcome

  • We will contact you to let you know whether you are successful. Good luck!
     

If you would like to know about our higher apprenticeships, please contact our recruitment team 

Email our recruitment team

Employer of choice

Employer of choice

The 5% Club (platinum) / Armed Forces Covenant (silver) / Disability Confident / Mates in Mind / Clear Assured (foundation) / Mineral Products Qualifications Council / Youth Employment UK / Career Transition Partnership / School Outreach / Gradcracker / Well being for Life 

Compensation package

Competitive salaries / Company and individual performance bonus / Generous pension scheme, up to 15 per cent / Life assurance cover

Health and wellbeing

Employee assistance programme / Mental health first aiders / Cycle to work scheme / Employee benefits including gym discount / Free eye tests / Discounted private health cover 

Social value

One paid volunteering day each year / Allyship Network / Network of Women / LGBT+ Network / Armed Forces Network / Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths)

Family friendly policies

Adoption / Carer's leave / Dependency leave / Fertility / Maternity leave / Neonatal care / Parental leave / Paternity policy / Shared parental leave Work-life balance / 27 days holiday excluding bank holidays / Agile and flexible working, hybrid working for come roles / Holiday purchase scheme / Sabbatical leave