Featured Apprentice
Elizabeth Joseph Adigun
“I knew that if anyone was going to inspire young females to enter these sectors, it had to be me! If my journey could be influential, my destination should be the standard of transformation.”
Before the Apprenticeship
Before I started my apprenticeship I attended sixth form. I studied business, psychology, English Literature and also completed an EPQ!
Challenges & Barriers
I was challenged with facing a lack of representation and opportunity in the field I desired to work in. For example, I had never come across a female project manager in construction and this struck me. I began to think and believe that maybe there was a reason as to why women (especially women of colour) were not as prominent in the industry and that specific role.
“The lack of diversity, opportunity and representation is what motivated me to pursue an apprenticeship. I knew that if a...”
The lack of diversity, opportunity and representation is what motivated me to pursue an apprenticeship. I knew that if anyone was going to inspire young females to enter these sectors, it had to be me! I also documented my apprenticeship journey on TikTok which inspired many young girls and this was before I even entered the industry. If my journey could be influential, my destination should be the standard of transformation!
How I Found My Apprenticeship
I found my apprenticeship through networking and research on LinkedIn. I also searched on Google and TikTok to hear from others to gain more understanding on what each firm offers and why they are different.
The Turning Point
The key turning point for me is when I launched the HerEstate Network and within 1 week the team grew to 100 members! This was truly a moment that I realised many young girls were looking up to females like me to mentor and guide them into the industry. This also highlighted something I observed early — Women don't run away from the industry; experience is just not within their reach or visibility.
Elizabeth Joseph Adigun on the job — Hill Group UK
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My Current Role
As a site manager my day to day roles consist of: Ensuring that the site is organised to prevent any health and safety hazards and risks. Ensuring that I have a clear idea on what is happening on the site as well as forthcoming changes. Keeping track of weekly changes and progress. Keeping track with trades and deliveries to and from sites, and many more.
Impact on My Life
My apprenticeship has impacted my life personally as it has taken a large chunk of my personal time away. From being a sixth form student with multiple 'free periods' and ending school at 3pm, I began to realise that life is not that way at all! Now, I wake up as early as 4am and sometimes get home around 7-8pm. However from a social and professional lens, I have gained so much more visibility, credibility and opportunity as an apprentice! I have also made some amazing friends along the way as well as building strong connections.
My biggest achievement so far has been the ability to attend MIPIM as an 18 year old to represent my network (The HerEstate Network) that is less than 1 year old! This is huge for me as this event is usually described to be a 'sea of suits' so as a woman, attending this event is a power move within itself. To further emphasise it, I am attending to represent a network I started in September 2025 which highlights the great need and urgency for The HerEstate Network.
Advice to Aspiring Apprentices
“I would say that they should analyse their character. I must admit that an apprenticeship is not something that everyone can do especially when you are starting at such a young age. If you are not disciplined, able to have good time management and financially responsible, an apprenticeship may not be the best and most effective route for you. At a very young age you are taking on a lot of accountability and responsibility both at work and in your own personal life. It can be very easy to get led astray without the right mindset, support and encouragement so my best advice would be to self inspect.”
Elizabeth Joseph Adigun
Construction Site Management Apprentice · Hill Group UK