Apprentices on parade: Asad Vatchha of BAM UK & Ireland
9 February 2026
Apprentices on parade: Jacob Heavens of Willmott Dixon
10 February 2026
In the second of our Q&As to mark National Apprenticeship Week, Jacob Heavens, a digital construction apprentice at Willmott Dixon, steps into the spotlight. The variety of work and the opportunity to help shift the industry are key, he says.
What was it that first attracted you to digital construction?
I’ve always been drawn to technology and the digital side of things. I studied digital media, so I spent a lot of time using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, which gave me a strong creative and technical foundation. In my current role, that interest has naturally carried over into working with 3D models and digital information. It feels like a natural progression for me.
What really excites me is where the industry is heading. Construction is becoming more and more digital, and you can genuinely see that change happening when you’re working in it. Being part of that shift, rather than watching it from the outside, is what really attracted me to digital construction.
How did you find out about the apprenticeship at Willmott Dixon?
I found out about the apprenticeship through my brother, who works at Willmott Dixon. He’s worked in operations and now pre-construction, and he heard about the role through the business. He thought it would suit me and sent me the link, and once I looked into it, it felt like a really good fit.
Tell us about the project or tasks you’re working on at the moment.
I’m involved in a wide range of projects, which is one of the things I enjoy most. These include schools for the Department for Education, transport hubs, care homes, housing developments and leisure centres. No two projects are really the same; some are very data-heavy and need a lot of detailed input, while others are more straightforward.
Our role in digital construction can vary a lot as well. I might be carrying out model audits, supporting site teams with different tasks, or helping with digital scans of completed projects. That variety keeps things interesting and has helped me build a broad set of skills.
What was the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?
The biggest challenge for me has definitely been organisation. Balancing full-time work alongside college assignments and keeping on top of evidence for the apprenticeship can be a lot. It’s something my manager would probably agree with!
That said, it’s also been a big learning curve. I’ve had to improve how I manage my time and stay organised, and I’ve already seen a big improvement. It’s a skill I know will be really important as my career develops.
Do you see yourself staying in digital construction? How would you like your career to progress?
Yes, definitely. I really enjoy working in digital construction and I can see myself building a long-term career in it. I’m happy at Willmott Dixon, and my aim is to continue developing my skills and knowledge so that, by the time I complete my apprenticeship, I’ve shown what I can do. In the future, I’d like to progress within the digital team, take on more responsibility, and keep growing alongside the business as digital construction continues to evolve.
Keep up to date with DC+: sign up for the midweek newsletter.
Story for Digital Construction Plus? Get in touch via email:
[email protected]
