At 21CBS, we’re committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow, succeed, and contribute to the construction industry.

Apprenticeships are a vital part of our company, helping us train talented individuals while ensuring the future of our workforce.

This August, we were delighted to welcome Jack Clarke as a carpentry apprentice. Jack joins three site-based and two office-based apprentices who are gaining hands-on experience and learning their trades under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Over the next few years, Jack will gain practical experience on-site, supported by our structured training programme and a team dedicated to helping him succeed.

A Proud History of Apprenticeships

At 21CBS, we view apprenticeships as vital foundations for long-term careers.

Since our founding in 2001, we’ve prioritised apprenticeships as a key part of our business. More than a third of our current workforce started with us as apprentices, and many have risen to senior roles. Some of our longest-serving team members—spanning over a decade—began their careers in this way, and their expertise is now invaluable in mentoring the next generation.

We’re passionate about providing apprentices with high-quality training and the support they need to excel. Every apprentice trains with our site operatives and engineers, who are members of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and are trained and qualified within their specialist field.

This commitment to professional development has even earned us recognition, including On Site Bristol’s Small Employer of the Year.

What Apprentices Do at 21CBS

As a main contractor, we specialise in a variety of construction projects, including new builds, refurbishments, fit-outs, and maintenance. Apprentices at 21CBS are exposed to a wide range of experiences, learning diverse skills that set them up for success.

Apprentices benefit from:

  • On-the-job Training: Practical skills development under the guidance of experienced mentors.

  • College Education: Complementary classroom learning to gain recognised qualifications.

  • Mentorship: A supportive team dedicated to their growth and success.

From carpentry and painting to project management and electrical work, apprentices are involved in meaningful projects from day one, ensuring no two days are ever the same.

Shaping Careers for the Future

Every year, young people face difficult choices about what to do about their futures. And while university is often seen as the default choice after school, it isn't necessarily the right path for everyone.

Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular, offering young people hands-on learning and excellent future employment prospects. No tuition fees or student loans are necessary. In fact, apprentices can earn as they learn without the fear of debts mounting before becoming qualified.

An apprenticeship at 21CBS provides young people with the tools to build rewarding careers in construction. By the time apprentices finish their training, they’ve gained:

  • Industry-recognised qualifications.

  • Hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

  • Skills that set them apart in a competitive job market.

Our apprenticeships focus on long-term career progression. Many of our former apprentices remain with us, moving into leadership roles and continuing to share their knowledge with new recruits.

Hear from Our Current & Former Apprentices

Neil Beirne, Electrical Contract Manager
"21CBS gives you the chance to grow. I trained as an apprentice here, and now I’m a manager. They believe in investing in their people, and the opportunities to progress are there if you want them."

Pierce Lydon, Third-Year Electrical Apprentice
"The support I’ve received during my apprenticeship has been incredible. From mentors taking the time to teach me practical skills to managers ensuring I have everything I need, 21CBS has been key to my development."

Mackenzie Paul, First-Year Electrical Apprentice
"It’s clear that 21CBS wants you to succeed. You’re treated with respect and supported at every step, which makes a real difference when you’re starting out."

Supporting the Local Workforce

Through our apprenticeships, we contribute to the development of skilled tradespeople in the South West and beyond. 

We work closely with organisations such as On Site Bristol, ensuring young people have access to valuable training opportunities. 

By creating these pathways, we help address the skills shortage while providing individuals with a solid foundation for their futures.

Want to Join Us as an Apprentice?

An apprenticeship with 21CBS offers a unique opportunity to learn your trade, gain recognised qualifications, and start building your career with a company that values your growth.

To learn more about our apprenticeships, visit our training partner On Site Bristol at www.onsitebristol.co.uk or visit our careers page now.

Contact Us

Let's create better spaces, together

Recent projects

See how our construction team turns challenges into success stories.

Offices

Refurbishment of 40 Berkeley Square

See how we transformed a 1960s office in Bristol into a modern co-working space, blending historical charm with sustainable, flexible design.

Read More
Laboratories

Refurbishment of Laboratories 2.52 and 2.37 at 5 West

Refurbishment of labs at University of Bath, transforming spaces into state-of-the-art wet and dry labs with sustainable, high-spec design.

Read More
Offices

Fit-Out of 4th Floor Office

See how we delivered a high-spec 4th-floor office fit-out, blending modern functionality with bespoke finishes, all within a live, city-centre environment.

Read More
Industrial & Logistics

Refurbishment and Clearance of Emerald Park Industrial Unit

See how we transformed an industrial unit at Emerald Park, delivering a full clearance, refurbishment, and modernisation to meet landlord specifications.

Read More
Public Sector

IFP Expansion Works at Richmond Building

See how we transformed the Richmond Building for the University of Bristol, delivering modern, sustainable spaces for the International Foundation Programme within a tight 12-week schedule.

Read More

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Devonshire Partnership Limited

"21CBS provides a responsive, diligent, pro-active problem-solving approach to building refurbishment projects, delivering good quality at a competitive cost."

Building Surveyor / Consultant

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

UWE

"Each project delivered by 21CBS has been executed professionally, with a conscientious and collaborative approach, from conception through to completion of the works and beyond. The site is always well-managed, and the team is reliable, capable, and enthusiastic. Since working with 21CBS at UWE, the projects I have managed have been delivered to a very high quality of workmanship, on time, and within budget. It is always a pleasure to work with 21CBS."

Project Manager

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

J4 Projects

"21CBS have provided services on a number of key projects over several years with exceptional success on each scheme. Their service is reliable and delivered in an open and transparent approach which provides us with full confidence that the project will be delivered on time and budget with fantastic quality being achieved."

Project Manager

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Knight Frank LLP

"I have worked with 21CBS for over 10 years and they are consistently one of my go to contractors for medium to large construction projects. They have always been proactive, communicative and have delivered works to a high standard."

Building Surveyor / Consultant

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

APS Consultancy

"21CBS offered dedicated project professionals and subcontract partners to complete a beautiful space for our client. Going the extra mile to get finishes correct and being flexible allowing the client to make decisions within their timeframe."

Project Manager

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

CBRE

"21st CBS reliability, experience and responsiveness make them a great contractor to work with. These qualities enable me to meet client expectations."

Building Surveyor / Consultant

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP

"21CBS are a great team who are very knowledgeable and experienced at what they do and are a pleasure to work with!"

Project Manager

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

LiveWest

"21st Century undertook a complex project for us in Bristol - they understood the brief and delivered to a very high standard."

Project Manager

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Holland & Barrett

"I have worked with the 21CBS for numerous years on work ranging from reactive repairs to large-scale projects. Their ability to provide a quality service on time and to budget has been exceptional, and they have managed to build a reputation for being a trusted and reliable contractor. I would welcome the opportunity to work with the 21CBS at any point in the future, as their strengths are invaluable to a business that is demanding and continually changing/developing. 21CBS has proven to meet these challenges and often perform above and beyond expectations."

Head of Facilities & Building Maintenance

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Colliers

"21CBS can always be relied upon to deliver a project and manage issues or complications well. The team is personable, easy to contact, and work hard."

Building Surveyor / Consultant