Wrexham University student named Welsh Engineering Apprentice of the Year

A Wrexham University student undertaking a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is celebrating being named Wales Apprentice of the Year 2026 by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). 

Jack Whitehouse, 31, is working on his Civil Engineering Degree alongside his role as a contracts manager and apprentice engineer at MPH Construction, where he is currently working on projects for Network Rail and United Utilities. 

ICE Wales Cymru Director, Keith Jones, said: “ICE Wales Cymru works to promote and celebrate the outstanding work of its members.  

“Our Apprentice of the Year Award is open to civil engineering apprentices across Wales for individuals demonstrating excellence. Jack Whitehouse impressed the judges with his outstanding submission. Earlier this summer, the ICE Wales Cymru team were also delighted to visit Wrexham University and hear about the projects Jack is working on.” 

Jack said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have been named the ICE Apprentice of the Year for Wales. Receiving recognition from the Institution of Civil Engineers is a significant achievement for me and reflects the progress I have made throughout my degree apprenticeship and career in civil engineering after beginning nearly 15 years ago as a site operative!                                                           

"I would like to thank everyone at MPH Construction for their continued support, encouragement and the opportunities they have given me. I am also grateful to the lecturers and staff at Wrexham University and Coleg Cambria for their guidance throughout my studies. 

“Winning this award has given me even greater motivation to continue developing as an engineer, work towards professional qualification, and to encourage others to consider a career in civil engineering.” 

Louise Duff, Senior Lecturer in Built Environment (Construction) at Wrexham University, said: “This was a well-deserved award for Jack. I have been teaching civil engineering for over 20 years now, so I recognise talent and commitment when I see it!  I am not at all surprised that Jack has been named Wales Apprentice of the Year because his approach to civil engineering is one of complete commitment, professionalism and skill.” 

Jack initially trained as a bricklayer after leaving school, before going on to other roles in construction and civil engineering.  

“After ten years in various roles, I took an office-based job role with MPH Construction who then offered me the opportunity to start the degree apprenticeship whilst continuing my role as a contract manager,” added Jack. 

“It was challenging returning to education after a long gap, but the amount I have learned in the past few years has greatly increased my confidence in my job. Having been on site for so many years, it’s nice to now have knowledge of the technical aspects of civil engineering and understand why things are designed the way they are. 

“Wrexham University has been the ideal place to do my degree, and I hope to become a chartered engineer in the future.” 

Wrexham’s Degree Apprenticeships blend academic study with real workplace experience, with students attending campus on block release or one day a week and spending the remainder of their time learning directly with their employers. 

The Civil Engineering and other Construction Degree Apprenticeships are delivered by Wrexham University in partnership with Coleg Cambria who deliver the first two years of the provision, after which apprentices return to Wrexham University to complete their final two years.

Wrexham University Engineering staff and students with visiting ICE members