Bridging the skills gap through Defence projects
Framework: SCAPE Regional Construction
Client: Defence Infrastructure Organisation & U.S. Visiting Forces
Combined project value: £9.7m
"R G Carter has given me the opportunity to expand my construction knowledge through various projects procured via the SCAPE Regional Construction framework. Working on several bases and multiple projects means I have been exposed to many elements of construction that have taught me valuable construction skills for my career."
Nicole Lankester
Assistant Project Manager
Founded in 1921, R G Carter has always been committed to developing the next generation and since 1968, supporting professional development through its in-house Academy.
Since inception, the academy has trained and employed over 3,000 craft and management apprentices to bridge industry trade gaps.
Throughout 2024, the Defence sector provided R G Carter with a large volume of work, equating to more than £9.7m via the SCAPE Construction framework at RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Alconbury and Molesworth. These projects, whilst confidential due to sensitivities, have provided excellent opportunities for craft and management apprenticeships as part of this pipeline of work. Of particular note, there are five members of R G Carter's defence team who have completed or currently undertaking a formal apprenticeship.
R G Carter takes great pride in developing talent and creating long-term career pathways that strengthen their business and deliver exceptional social value. Five members of their defence team have completed formal apprenticeships and further training as a direct result of the projects delivered through the Regional Construction framework.
Read more about the stories of Nicole, Chris, Tom, Adam, and Darrell below, and learn how they have become valuable members of the defence team, contributing to various Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and U.S. Visiting Forces (USVF) projects.
Working on RAF bases presents challenges related to adhering to Base Standards, completing projects on schedule, and minimising disruptions to the activities of the USVF. To ensure the success of our apprenticeship scheme, R G Carter utilises our in-house, accredited college, The R G Carter Academy. This program offers the opportunity to "earn while you learn", striking the right balance between theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and on-site experience.
Since partnering with SCAPE, R G Carter has been able to provide trainees with opportunities on defence projects that allow them to excel with our support, guidance, and expertise, helping their careers to grow and ultimately thrive.
Apprentices are the lifeblood of every company; they ensure that we are building for the future. For the past 70 years, R G Carter has consistently sought to find and nurture new talent. Our longstanding ethos encourages individuals to achieve their best. For instance, Will Robinson, the General Manager of R G Carter Cambridge, began his career as an apprentice bricklayer, while Tim Leggett, the Group Framework Manager, started as a carpentry apprentice.
R G Carter is dedicated to ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to discover their talents in a supportive environment where they can thrive. The SCAPE Regional Construction framework offers a platform that enables contractors like R G Carter to continue identifying, hiring, and upskilling talented individuals who will contribute to our business and the construction industry for many years to come.
Nicole joined R G Carter in 2021 as an Administrator, supporting SCAPE projects at RAF Lakenheath. After her first year, she developed a strong interest in Project Management and, to support her professional growth, she enrolled on a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor degree through the University College of Estate Management and R G Carter Academy, which includes a CIOB certification.
Throughout her training, Nicole has contributed to project management across several jobs, including a taxiway joint sealing project, assisting with feasibility studies, cost pricing, and overall project completion.
Three Craft carpentry apprentices have been trained through the R G Carter Academy. Chris, who completed his apprenticeship first, went on to become a Site Manager and achieved an NVQ Level 4 in Site Management, successfully managing projects at RAF Mildenhall. He mentored Tom, who attained NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in site carpentry, later earning his SMSTS certification and NVQ Level 4 in 2024. Tom is now a Site Manager at RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall, overseeing various projects.
Tom said, “I started with the R G Carter in September 2017, undertaking an NVQ Level 2 in site carpentry, where I spent most of my time working at RAF Mildenhall. This gave me a platform to continue my development, and I completed my Level 3 NVQ in 2019. During my apprenticeship, I spent most of my training working on RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath projects via the SCAPE Regional Construction framework.”
Adam also progressed to a Site Manager after completing NVQs Levels 2, 3, and 4, contributing to concrete repairs and joint sealing works at Lakenheath.
Additionally, all have completed health and safety training to manage construction projects effectively and R G Carter take pride in creating apprenticeships and career advancement opportunities through the R G Carter Academy.
Darrell, a third-generation family member at R G Carter, is a successful Site Manager with a Foundation Degree and NVQs Levels 4 and 6 in Site Management. He has delivered several high-profile projects at RAF Lakenheath, including concrete slab replacements on taxiways and airside refurbishments.
Commitment to plugging the skills gap
Nicole, Chris, Tom, Adam, and Darrell have all become valuable members of R G Carter's defence team, contributing to many DIO and USVF projects through the SCAPE Regional Construction framework.
These examples highlight R G Carter’s commitment to apprenticeships, professional development, and delivering positive outcomes for individuals and communities through daily business activities, while also creating meaningful social value.
“Having supervised Darrell, Chris, Adam, and Tom for over 5 years, and Nicole for over 3, it has been a privilege to see the growth in their confidence, construction knowledge and professionalism during this period. Client and stakeholder feedback on everyone is excellent and they are all a great asset to the firm. They always fully immerse themselves in each project they are responsible for, and this helps with their development.”
Keith Furnell,
Senior Project Manager
Why SCAPE?
The SCAPE framework has created valuable opportunities for R G Carter apprentices to gain experience across various live defence projects. These projects are not typically accessible outside of this public sector-focused, industry-led framework.
Social value outcomes
This case study has been submitted by R G Carter as part of the collaborative Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report. This report captures the latest insight into the regional and national trends in social value delivery, learn more here.
£4.9m+
Social value
50.52%
Social return on investment
5
Apprentices
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