Careers

Early Talent

Kickstart your career with McLaren and step into a role that invests in your future

Two men wearing safety vests and hard hats.Two men wearing safety vests and hard hats.
Building

Early careers at McLaren

The built environment is always evolving, and McLaren are at the forefront of that change. As we expand into new sectors, we are looking for the next generations of True Builders, to contribute to our continued success and take on a rewarding career in construction.

Construction today means creating more efficient, sustainable sites and delivering smarter homes and workplaces that support the communities these buildings serve.

If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking company, there are a variety of early talent opportunities waiting for you.

Industry Facts
£150 bn
The UK construction industry contributes approximately £120-150 billion annually to the economy, accounting for around 6% of GDP
33,600
Approximately 33,600 apprenticeship started in construction in 2023/24
2.7m
The construction sector employs over 2.7 million people, representing about 7% of the UK workforce
Construction

Constructing

Futures

Our Constructing Futures programme launched in 2022 and has since grown to over 60 individuals undertaking a structured qualification across a variety of roles.

The programme is key to developing young talent and fostering continuous learning and development. Hear from one of our apprentices on their first-hand experiences of our Constructing Excellence programme.

A man wearing a hard hat and safety vest.

Why choose a career in construction?

Construction offers a dynamic and challenging environment where no two days are the same, and the impact of your work is tangible - you can take pride in saying, “I helped build that.”

At McLaren, you’ll gain critical skills such as technical proficiency, negotiation, financial management, and leadership. Young people are an integral part of our teams, contributing fresh ideas and energy, while being mentored by experienced colleagues dedicated to their development.

For those with ambition and a drive for success, a career in construction offers significant opportunities for growth and fulfilment.

At McLaren, Early Talent is the heart of our future. We value the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that our Early Talent bring to every project. It’s important to us that you feel supported and have the opportunity to grow. Through mentorship and real-world experience, we help you build not just your career, but support you to continue your studies, ensuring you play a key role in shaping the future of construction.

Joanna Rose
Early Talent Manager
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Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career in construction, combining university or college study with practical experience on live projects. With support from a workplace mentor, apprentices gain recognised qualifications while building real world skills, confidence and technical knowledge in an active construction environment.

At McLaren, we are committed to developing future talent. Since 2022, we have supported 105 apprentices across construction and support functions nationwide, offering structured pathways from Level 3 through to degree programmes. Our apprentices receive fully funded training, meaningful project exposure and ongoing support, allowing them to earn while they learn, gain industry recognised qualifications and build a strong foundation for long term career progression.

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T Levels

T Levels provide students with an excellent opportunity to build practical experience and develop the essential skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. Through our T Level Industry Placement Scheme, we work closely with the Department for Education, the Education and Training Foundation and the Construction Youth Trust to support students studying Design, Surveying and Planning and Onsite Construction pathways.

These placements allow students to apply their classroom learning on real projects, gaining meaningful exposure to real working environments. With 80% of the programme focused on education and 20% in industry, students develop a balance of theory and hands-on experience. This structure builds confidence strengthens their technical skills and takes important first steps towards a successful career in construction.

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Work Experience

At McLaren, we’re committed to offering meaningful work experience placements that provide real learning and practical opportunities. Our placements are designed to give students valuable insight into the construction industry and help them develop essential skills for their future careers.

We offer placements across a range of departments, including Quantity Surveying, Site Management, Design Management, and support functions. This broad exposure ensures a well-rounded experience, helping participants understand different aspects of our operations and gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.

Apprentice

Stories

Since starting McLaren’s apprenticeship programme, it has allowed me to connect with other apprentices and understand the wide range of opportunities for growth and development that are offered here at McLaren. I have received constant support during my apprenticeship from finding the correct course, to regular check-ins and continuous encouragement and praise. This has allowed me to not only become comfortable within the business but has also helped me to stay on track within my course. Even though my role isn’t construction based, I have had the opportunity to visit sites and understand the entire process behind our projects and see the work we complete first-hand.

Suzanna
Info Sec Apprentice

Entering the construction industry straight out of sixth form was always going to be a challenge, thankfully at McLaren I received all the tools I need to tackle these new challenges, as well as the fantastic support from the early development team which I still receive to this day. It is a privilege to be able to learn from people with so much knowledge and experience within construction. Each day comes with fresh, rewarding challenges and McLaren provide a fantastic environment to tackle these. It is a pleasure to be able to start my journey in construction with a company that deliver such fantastic result in such a fantastic manner.

George
Design Apprentice

Working at McLaren has been an invaluable experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. From the start, I felt like a valued member of the team. McLaren fosters an inclusive environment where apprentices are encouraged to step up, lead meetings, and interact directly with clients, which has been instrumental in building my confidence and professional skills.

Preistty
Building Services Apprentice