A long-established East Anglian building contractor is celebrating the successes of its internal academy scheme this National Apprenticeship Week.
The R G Carter Academy has formed a central part of the Norwich-based contractor of the same name for more than 60 years, placing apprentices at the heart of the business.
In 25 years alone, it had helped train more than 450 trade apprentices and upwards of 300 apprentices working in management roles.
The firm took on 18 new apprentices in September 2025, taking the overall number currently working in the business to 57.
Among them are management apprentice, Mia, and quantity surveying apprentice, Fred.
Mia said: “I see myself continuing my management journey so I’ll be fully qualified – and seeing how I can progress within the company.
“My initial impressions of R G Carter are exceptional – I don’t think you necessarily expect the personal element from bigger companies.
“It’s like one big family, really.”
Fred added: “I see myself finishing my apprenticeship and becoming a quantity surveyor and hopefully being a useful member of the team, understanding the job.”
Numerous members of the senior team are also graduates of the academy, including the recently promoted Will Robinson, who was appointed Director and General Manager of R G Carter Cambridge in January this year.
Both Mia, Fred and the other 16 new apprentices heard about his story at a recent welcome event.
Will said: “I never set out with a plan to progress – I just focused on doing a good job and supporting my teams, and the opportunities naturally followed.
“Starting on an apprenticeship at R G Carter was ideal as it gave me the chance to learn from my mentors around me but also how to stand on my own two feet. There was always someone there I could call for support.”
