Apprentices on parade: Sakinah Choudhury of Skanska

My apprenticeship application journey was not linear, and I experienced several rejections along the way. However, this helped build my resilience and self-discipline, motivating me to learn from each experience and continue improving. Ultimately, being authentic and staying true to myself was key to securing the opportunity at Skanska.

I recently transitioned into a full-stack developer role at Skanska after two years working in data, which gave me a strong understanding of the business and its data.

The most recent project I was involved in was the design and delivery of a digital solution that enables stakeholders to track and manage key information within a specific area of the business. The solution required a well-structured database to support the use across multiple projects on site, alongside an intuitive and interactive user interface so that users could both find information and complete tasks more easily.

As a result of my previous data experience, I was able to connect the knowledge and skills gained in both roles to successfully deliver this project.

I engaged directly with end-users through workshops to understand their needs and gather feedback throughout the development process. This included running training sessions and feedback workshops, which provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from site-based users who would be using the digital solution. Their input helped shape the functionality and usability of the final product.

Looking ahead, I’ll be supporting the development of another application that I am looking forward to contributing to.

The most challenging part has been balancing the demands of full-time work alongside university commitments. Due to the structure of my course, I am completing the same modules and assessments as a full-time student, but with limited time on campus, attending university only once a week. Managing a full academic workload alongside professional responsibilities requires strong time management and self-discipline. While challenging, this experience has significantly strengthened my ability to stay organised and perform under pressure.

The apprenticeship has been incredibly rewarding for both my career and personal development. It has allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience while applying what I’ve learned to my role and bring a fresh perspective to the business, which has been well-received.

I have had the opportunity to support work that has been recognised at industry award ceremonies, several of which I have attended. These experiences have allowed me to connect with others across the industry and gain a wider insight into best practice. I also had the chance to collaborate with Skanska’s Norwegian team during a visit to Norway, where I was able to learn from colleagues, share knowledge and further develop my own skills.

Yes, I see myself staying in construction. The industry is continuing to evolve digitally, and there is significant scope for further development in how technology and data are used. As a traditionally hands-on industry, construction presents exciting challenges, bridging digital solutions with real-world delivery, and I am excited to be a part of that progression.

As I come to the end of my level 6 apprenticeship and plan to graduate in December, my focus is on continuing to develop and deliver digital solutions that support the sustainability and efficiency of the business and the wider industry.

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