LCRIG have welcomed the first three members of its newly formed Apprentice Task Group: Benjamin Crossley, Josh Sutcliffe and Macy Richards. The dynamic team is dedicated to supporting and championing apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector.

As the industry continues to face a growing skills gap, the Apprentice Task Group will play a key role in shaping opportunities for apprentices. Working alongside Keely Metcalfe, who chairs the group, they will develop CPD sessions, live demonstrations, and workshops at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2025.

Benjamin Crossley, Engineer, Development Management at Essex Highways

Benjamin began his apprenticeship journey almost seven years ago with Ringway Jacobs. He has since progressed to a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering and is on track to graduate this summer, achieving Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Recently, Benjamin has worked with colleagues and the HR team to redevelop the company’s apprenticeship programme.

“Our goal is to enhance the apprentice experience by providing them with more exposure and experience, helping them become well-rounded engineers. We launched our new apprenticeship programme in September 2024 and are now recruiting for the 2025 intake.”

Benjamin was first introduced to LCRIG when he was invited to speak at the Strictly Highways 2024 conference.

“This experience significantly boosted my public speaking skills. Presenting in front of industry professionals not only increased my confidence but also taught me the importance of adaptability and audience engagement.”

As a member of the Apprentice Task Group, he hopes to support apprentices through their journey.

“I am really excited to be part of the Apprentice Task Group and have the chance to make positive changes that will help apprentices progress in their current training agreements. Through my own journey, I have faced challenges balancing full-time work, studying, and maintaining a social life. I hope to use my experiences to support others who might be dealing with similar struggles.”

Josh Sutcliffe, Case Officer at LADC

Josh is currently working towards a Chartered Management qualification and a degree in Business Management while building LADC’s relationship with LCRIG as a Corporate Member.

“Since starting my apprenticeship, part of my role at LADC has been to build the relationship with LCRIG and as a Corporate Member, explore how our services can assist LCRIG Council Members to address the prevalent and pressing issue regarding unadopted roads.”

Josh first attended Strictly Highways in 2024, where he had the opportunity to network with Corporate and Council Members.

“Strictly Highways gave me, as an apprentice, an opportunity to speak and network with other Corporate Members and Council Members. I will also be attending the next Innovation and Learning Festival and Strictly Highways in 2025!”

Motivated by the sector’s growing skills shortage, Josh joined the Apprentice Task Group to help raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.

“One of the main reasons I was inspired to join the Apprenticeship Task Group is because of the current shortage of skills in the sector; I hope to contribute and help spread the awareness of the opportunities apprenticeships can provide and the invaluable skills they can bring.

Macy Richards, Assistant Engineer at Milestone Infrastructure

Macy is currently in her fifth year of a degree apprenticeship in Civil Engineering and has experienced first-hand the benefits of apprenticeships.

“I was first introduced to LCRIG in 2023 when I was invited to attend Strictly Highways. I loved seeing the array of work within the highways industry and the incredible initiatives everyone was working on. I was also lucky enough to win Apprentice of the Year at the DfT Special Recognition awards, something I am very proud of.”

Macy is passionate about promoting apprenticeships and supporting those navigating their own journeys.

“Apprenticeships are something I have always been keen to promote, as I have been fortunate to have such a great experience with mine. I have always worked to support current apprentices as it can often be an overwhelming thing to take on.”

At her workplace, she chaired a Graduate and Apprentice Support Group, focusing on both technical and personal development. She has also worked on STEM and school initiatives to challenge misconceptions about apprenticeships.

“I have continually worked on STEM and school initiatives throughout my apprenticeship to try and change some of the negative narratives around apprenticeships, which simply aren’t true.”