Ben Crossley’s journey: Engineering success through apprenticeships
For Ben Crossley, a career in engineering wasn’t always the obvious choice. But through his apprenticeship journey with Ringway Jacobs and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), he has carved a path that combines practical expertise, leadership, and innovation.
Ben’s story demonstrates how apprenticeships can be transformative, offering real-world experience alongside academic achievement.
Starting small, thinking big
Ben’s career began with a Level 3 apprenticeship at 19, which gave him foundational skills and professional accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Over six years later, Ben is now in the final year of his Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship and oversees multi-million-pound infrastructure projects as part of Essex Highways.
"When I started, I wasn’t sure where this would take me. Now, I’m delivering projects worth millions, like an £800-million-pound housing development with over £9.5 million in highway works. It’s a lot of responsibility, but incredibly rewarding."
The role of innovation: rotating for growth
Recognising gaps between academic learning and workplace practice, Ben and his colleague designed a rotation programme to better align their apprenticeship with industry needs.
"We noticed a disconnect between transferring our academic skills to the industry, so we introduced rotations across key teams like highways design, construction, and maintenance. This ensured apprentices gained practical experience that tied into their studies," Ben explains.
The rotation plan not only bridges gaps but also equips apprentices with a well-rounded skill set, making them more effective and versatile in their roles.
Building leadership through challenges
Balancing a full-time job, university studies, and additional responsibilities wasn’t easy, but it shaped Ben into a capable leader. From presenting at industry conferences to mentoring new apprentices, Ben has embraced opportunities to step out of his comfort zone.
"I had to present our rotation programme to over 400 industry professionals—it was incredibly fulfilling. It’s moments like these that push you to grow," he recalls.
Support that makes a difference
Ben credits much of his success to the support he’s received from both ARU and Ringway Jacobs.
"ARU’s study skills resources, particularly maths modules, were invaluable. Ringway Jacobs also challenges you to excel—they push you because they know your potential, and that’s made all the difference."
This combination of academic and workplace support has allowed Ben to thrive, even when managing many projects simultaneously.
Advice for aspiring apprentices
For those considering an apprenticeship, Ben offers simple yet powerful advice: "Take every opportunity to learn and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Apprenticeships are hard work, but the rewards—both personally and professionally—are worth it."
Ben’s journey highlights how apprenticeships are more than just a pathway to a degree; they are a launchpad for a successful career.
Paving the way for the future
Ben Crossley’s journey from a Level 3 apprentice to a leader managing multi-million-pound projects showcases the transformative power of apprenticeships. By combining academic learning with hands-on experience, Ben has built a career that inspires both his peers and the next generation of apprentices.
Through innovation, perseverance, and the support of ARU and Ringway Jacobs, Ben is not just building infrastructure—he’s building a legacy.