Behind the Scenes of PHD’s Apprenticeship Journey with SIMIAN

At SIMIAN, we believe that high-quality training is only one part of a successful apprenticeship; the other is strong, collaborative partnerships with companies who are equally committed to developing talent. One of those companies is PHD Access.

We recently caught up with Natalie Taylor, Apprenticeship Coordinator at PHD, to learn more about how they’re supporting their apprentices and why SIMIAN remains their training partner of choice. PHD Access has chosen SIMIAN to train all of their apprentices, and for good reason.

“We’ve always had a good working relationship with SIMIAN,” says Natalie. “As a government levy payer, we have a responsibility to invest in our new starters, and the apprenticeship route allows us to shape their training in a way that suits PHD’s needs.”

That flexibility is key to helping PHD develop a strong, capable workforce, tailored to the demands of real-world scaffolding. For Natalie, support doesn’t stop at the training centre. Ensuring apprentices can apply what they’ve learned on-site is essential, and PHD’s site managers play a central role in making that happen.

“Site managers get involved by completing reviews and planning upcoming projects that align with the apprentices’ programmes,” she explains. “It’s hands-on, and that really helps embed their learning.”

When it comes to confidence, Natalie says apprentices often rise to the challenge. “Some come in with confidence already, but most build it through their team on-site, they have no choice but to step up, and they do.”

That growth is one of the most rewarding aspects of the apprenticeship journey, watching learners develop from cautious new starters into capable, confident contributors.

One apprentice who has seen that transformation first-hand is Teddy, who completed his apprenticeship through SIMIAN’s LASC programme in partnership with PHD.

“My apprenticeship at SIMIAN has helped me develop my scaffolding confidence a lot, as it’s made me more confident in completing tasks handed to me by my supervisor independently.

I’ve enjoyed meeting new people the most while training at SIMIAN. I think it’s always good to make new contacts, not only in scaffolding but across the construction industry, because you never know when you might need them.

The challenges I’ve overcome during my training have improved not only my knowledge but my confidence too.

I feel like my apprenticeship has prepared me a lot for my future in scaffolding and given me knowledge that I can build on and eventually pass down to the next generation of apprentices. It’s helped me to aim higher and work my way up the ladder in the scaffolding industry.”

Challenges and Opportunities

No apprenticeship journey is without its challenges, and Natalie is open about the need for balance.

“Our contract managers are really enthusiastic about mentoring,” she says. “But we also have to make sure off-the-job training is properly recorded, so that apprentices don’t fall behind in their coursework.”

It’s a reminder that structure and accountability are just as important as enthusiasm and something both PHD and SIMIAN are committed to upholding. For Natalie and the team at PHD, development doesn’t stop once the programme is over.

“We encourage all our apprentices to take the SMSTS course, and some go on to do first aid training too. We also make sure they work on a variety of projects across different sites, so they build up a broad base of experience.”

The success of any apprenticeship scheme relies on good communication between the training provider and the employer, and that’s something Natalie is quick to praise.

“We always get paperwork through on time, we always know when apprentices are due to attend their courses, and we’re kept informed of any issues. Communication with SIMIAN is always spot on.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

Teddy also had some valuable advice for anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship at SIMIAN’s London Academy of Sustainable Construction (LASC):

“Do it! It not only trains you, but it opens up so many doors within the industry.”

At SIMIAN, we’re proud to work alongside companies like PHD Access who share our commitment to building a stronger future for the scaffolding industry. With dedicated coordinators like Natalie and driven apprentices like Teddy, we know the future of the sector is in safe, capable hands.

If you’re considering taking on apprentices or beginning an apprenticeship of your own, get in touch with SIMIAN today. We’re here to help you take the next step, confidently and professionally.