Morgan Sindall Construction's Sam Mannion Shortlisted for Greater Manchester Chamber Apprentice Of The Year Award
Morgan Sindall proudly announces the shortlisting of Assistant Planner Sam Mannion for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Apprentice of the Year Award. Sam, 23, from Lancashire is excelling in his role as an Assistant Planner at Morgan Sindall while simultaneously pursuing studies at The University of Salford towards a degree apprenticeship.
Sam's Apprenticeship Journey So Far
Sam's career journey began as a Trainee Estimator position at a roofing contractor where he also completed a Level 3 qualification in Constructing Contracting Operations via Wigan and Leigh College. Sam's interests shifted towards more practical and methodical tasks in his role, ultimately leading him to embark upon a career change to construction planning.
Sam secured a position within Morgan Sindall’s planning team in late 2022, and has made strides in his career since then. In September 2023, Sam enrolled at The University of Salford to join their new Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor (CSS) course. This course will enable him to move onto a Degree Apprenticeship in Construction Site Management once completed.
Sam’s first few months saw him shadowing members of the planning team and enhancing his knowledge through visiting sites to learn all about the different projects and methodologies underway at Morgan Sindall. His proactive approach quickly became evident as he willingly took on additional responsibilities to support the planning team.
Impressed by his swift progress, Sam has been trusted to lead the planning function for the construction stage of Morgan Sindall’s fit out project at The Spine in Liverpool. Sam also plays a pivotal planning support role in Morgan Sindall’s complex refurbishment project at Hammerstone Road in Manchester. Sam's commitment to learning is mirrored in his academic pursuits at university, where he consistently exhibits punctuality, strong attendance, and a disciplined approach to his studies.
In the video below, Sam documents his apprentice journey in the hopes of inspiring others to also pursue a rewarding career in construction.
Reflecting on his journey, Sam Mannion states,
What people don’t always realise is that you don’t have to be straight out of college to start an apprenticeship - you can do an apprenticeship at any stage. I’m now working for a company that I love, and doing a job role that I really enjoy, so I’m at the exact point in my career that I want to be. At the end of my studies, I’ll have a degree qualification too. I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anybody considering a career in construction."
Nicky Harris, University of Salford Programme Leader, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership with Morgan Sindall, stating,
Salford University has enjoyed an industry/educational partnership with Morgan Sindall for nearly a decade now and we’re delighted to see them embrace our new Level 4 course. Sam is progressing well and he’s a fantastic example of the benefits of this partnership approach. He shows real enthusiasm and skill, and I’m sure he’s going to go far! I wish him all the best of luck in the upcoming award presentation."
THE STEVE BURNE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024
This is the ninth Apprentice of the Year Award run by Greater Manchester Chamber and named in 2018 in memory of Steve Burne, the Chamber’s former Vice-President and Chairman of the Property & Construction Group. Nominations have been accepted for current construction apprentices (technical or trade based) in the Greater Manchester area. The prestigious award will be presented at the Property & Construction Annual Dinner taking place on Thursday 29 February 2024 at Imperial War Museum, Trafford 7.00pm - 11.15pm.
The winner will receive The Steve Burne Apprentice of the Year Award and a cash prize (a share of £1,000 with 2 x Finalists).