Degree apprenticeships open doors to geoenvironmental careers at RSK
RSK Geosciences has welcomed two aspiring geoenvironmental engineers to start a five-year apprenticeship that will see them combine academic study with employment.
Developing the geoscience degree apprenticeship with Keele University
The business first became involved in discussions with Keele University about a new geoscience degree course in 2024. This enabled Director of Training and Development Mike Owens, with assistance from Associate Technical Director Dr Paul McMahon, to help shape key elements of the course.
Mike said: “The two apprentices joined the team in September 2025, and since then they’ve split their week up and spend approximately 20% of their time focusing on their degree and 80% supporting projecting work.
“University learning is delivered through online lectures and tutorials, and twice a year each apprentice spends a full week on campus. At the end of the degree, both will be in a position where they have sufficient experience and knowledge to be ready to apply for chartership, something Keele University also actively supports.
“This route is being viewed by A-level students as a very attractive prospect that gives them immediate employment and prevents the accumulation of considerable debt in university fees.
The impact of degree apprenticeships on staff and the business
The benefits of degree apprenticeships extend well beyond the apprentices themselves, with Mike highlighting the positive impact the two new recruits have had on office dynamics thanks to their fresh perspectives and ideas. He added that existing staff, including recent graduates, are also gaining valuable experience by developing mentoring and onthejob training skills, particularly during fieldwork.
Mike said: “For RSK Geosciences, degree apprenticeships enable us to gain staff through an alternative recruitment pathway, one that the team anticipates will also enhance long-term staff retention.
“It feels great to be one of the first businesses to be offering degree apprenticeships in this field, and we would strongly recommend those considering this approach to give it a go. If a business is not currently considering this recruitment pathway, they are potentially missing out on some very strong talent.”
Appealing to different learning styles
One of the apprentices, Elia Coathup, chose to pursue a degree apprenticeship because she learns best by practical, hands-on experience. More specifically, she wanted to become a geoenvironmental engineer because of her love of science combined with her passion for sustainability.
Elia said: “After six months of trying to find the right apprenticeship, a huge sense of relief and pride washed over me when I found out I’d been successful.
“I learn best by doing, so being able to apply university learning to real projects helps everything stick. There’s no student debt, you’re paid to study and you gain years of experience while getting your degree. For many people, including me, being able to learn at your own pace and not be overwhelmed by lectures is a huge advantage.”
Now several months into her apprenticeship, Elia wants the next generation of talent to know that stereotypes don’t define this role and that degree apprenticeships are incredibly important because they make careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) more accessible.
She said: “You don’t need to fully understand everything before you start, but once you get out on-site and get stuck in, things begin to make sense. Don’t be scared to make mistakes; it’s all part of the process.”
Careers in geoscience that offer purpose and progression
Cameron Jones is also completing a geoscience degree apprenticeship at RSK Geosciences. Drawn to the business because of its strong commitment to sustainability and its reputation for delivering high-quality, responsible engineering solutions, he said it stood out to him as being the best place to build a long-term career in geosciences.
He added: “Being part of a wide and well-established group offers exposure to a diverse range of projects and disciplines, providing excellent opportunities for professional development. The strength, scale and values of the company made it the right place for me.”
Finding balance and the value of support
While university days are structured, at work no day is the same. Cameron could be out on-site, assisting with large-scale ground investigation operations or independently carrying out site tasks one day, and on another working in the office, analysing data and writing reports.
Cameron said: “I’ve found balancing work and study very manageable so far and have really enjoyed the variety it brings. I’ve been very lucky to have an engaged and supportive manager and mentor at work, which has been incredibly beneficial in helping me pick up new skills and learn quickly.
“The university has also been very supportive – I’ve been assigned a specific learning mentor who I can reach out to if I ever need extra support, and my lecturers are always approachable and quick to respond when I need help.
“Overall, I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity RSK Geosciences has given me. Being able to develop professionally while studying, supported by such a knowledgeable and welcoming team, has reinforced the fact that this is the right career path for me.”
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RSK Geosciences
RSK Geosciences is the UK’s leading site investigation, contaminated land and geotechnical consultancy and has more than 25 years of experience. We help our clients to realise opportunities and manage the potential liabilities associated with the acquisition, ownership, operation, development and divestiture of land. We work for both the public and private sectors, including many of the UK’s leading property developers, major and local house builders, utility providers and main contractors, local authorities and other government organisations.