This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Range of apprenticeship levels, from trade apprenticeships to degree level
- Level 2–6
- Source: Laing O'Rourke (opens in a new tab)
- Length of the trade and technical apprenticeships, depending on the trade
- 2–4 years
- Source: Laing O'Rourke (opens in a new tab)
- Academic years the professional apprenticeship is shaped over
- 5 years
- Source: Laing O'Rourke (opens in a new tab)
- Typical minimum for trade apprenticeships, or six months' construction experience instead
- 3 GCSEs
- Source: Laing O'Rourke (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Laing O’Rourke is one of the UK’s big construction and engineering companies, and it runs two apprenticeship routes depending on where you are in your education.
Trade and technical apprenticeships
This route is for people who’ve finished their GCSEs. You combine college with training at work and finish with a Level 2 and/or Level 3 apprenticeship in your trade, over two or four years. Roles Laing O’Rourke mentions include installation electricians and mechanical pipe fitters, some on data centre projects. You get a dedicated mentor, and you, your mentor and your training provider review your progress every quarter.
Professional apprenticeships
This route is for people who’ve finished A levels, BTECs or T Levels. Your study is fully funded, on day or block release, and leads to a Level 4 (HNC) and/or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship. The programme is shaped over five academic years, with a development module every spring and autumn. Current apprentices include a trainee digital engineer and a building services trainee.
What to know
Construction happens where the projects are, so Laing O’Rourke asks apprentices to be willing to travel and work away from home when needed. It doesn’t publish pay on its programme pages, so ask about it if you’re offered an interview.
What they do
Laing O'Rourke is a construction and engineering company with its head office in Dartford, Kent. Its early careers routes include work experience, trade and technical apprenticeships, professional apprenticeships, university placements and a graduate programme.
Apprenticeships they offer
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Trade and technical apprenticeships
Trades such as installation electrician and mechanical pipe fitter
For people who've finished their GCSEs. College study plus work-based training, leading to a Level 2 and/or Level 3 apprenticeship standard over two or four years, depending on the trade. Laing O'Rourke mentions roles on UK data centre projects.
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Professional apprenticeships
Professional roles such as digital engineering and building services
For people who've finished A levels, BTECs or T Levels. Fully funded day or block release study towards a Level 4 (HNC) and/or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship, shaped over five academic years.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Trade and technical apprenticeships
- Three GCSEs (preferably grades 7–4), or at least six months' work experience in the construction industry. From Laing O'Rourke's trade and technical apprenticeships page. Each vacancy lists its own grades.
- Professional apprenticeships
- Five GCSEs, preferably grades 7–4 in maths, English and science, plus three A levels, BTECs or equivalent. From Laing O'Rourke's professional apprenticeships page. Its FAQ gives a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths and English, across apprentice roles.
Who can apply
- You must be eligible to work in the UK.
- You don't need to be a school leaver to apply for a professional apprenticeship.
- Trade apprentices must be willing to work away from home during study periods and when work needs it, and professional apprentices need to be "geographically mobile".
Our tips for Laing O'Rourke
- Be honest with yourself about travel. Laing O'Rourke asks apprentices to be willing to move around for projects and study, so think about how that would work for you.
- No A levels? The trade and technical route only asks for three GCSEs, or six months' construction experience instead.
- On the professional route, ask which qualification your role leads to. Some start at Level 4 (HNC) and continue to a Level 6 degree.
- Try work experience first. Laing O'Rourke runs insight days and week-long placements for people still in education.
Summary
- Laing O'Rourke runs trade and technical apprenticeships after GCSEs and professional apprenticeships after A levels or T Levels.
- Trade apprenticeships lead to Level 2 and/or Level 3 and take two or four years.
- Professional apprenticeships lead to Level 4 (HNC) and/or Level 6 (degree), with fully funded study over five academic years.
- Expect to travel: apprentices need to be willing to work away from home or be geographically mobile.
Questions about Laing O'Rourke apprenticeships
What apprenticeships does Laing O'Rourke offer?
Two main routes: trade and technical apprenticeships after GCSEs, leading to Level 2 and/or Level 3, and professional apprenticeships after A levels or T Levels, leading to Level 4 (HNC) and/or Level 6 (degree).
What qualifications do you need for a Laing O'Rourke apprenticeship?
For a trade apprenticeship, three GCSEs (preferably grades 7–4) or six months' construction experience. For a professional apprenticeship, five GCSEs including maths, English and science, plus three A levels, BTECs or equivalent.
How long is a Laing O'Rourke apprenticeship?
Trade and technical apprenticeships take two or four years, depending on the trade. Professional apprenticeships are shaped over five academic years.
Do you have to travel on a Laing O'Rourke apprenticeship?
Often, yes. Trade apprentices need to be willing to work away from home during study periods and when work needs it, and professional apprentices need to be geographically mobile.
Do I need to be a school leaver?
No. Laing O'Rourke says you don't need to be a school leaver to apply for its professional apprenticeships. Compare it with other builders in our construction and infrastructure table.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.