At TSM, we understand that success starts with establishing a strong foundation. That principle applies not only to groundworks and waterproofing, but also to developing people and supporting their journey through a long and rewarding career in our industry.
We’re currently seeing the value of that approach following the arrival of a new apprentice to our growing team. Maia Gray, who joined TSM in June 2026 as a Sales and Marketing Administrator Apprentice, came to us with no experience in construction, but we could see that she had the talent, energy and personal qualities to succeed. It was obvious to us that, with the right support and development opportunities, Maia has a big future in our sector.
Maia is demonstrating the important role apprenticeships play in attracting new talent into the construction industry and helping to address the sector’s skills shortage. In her new role, she is combining practical workplace experience with formal study towards a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration and Marketing.
For Maia, choosing an apprenticeship over university was a carefully considered decision.
Having completed her A Levels at South Nottinghamshire Academy, she attended several university open days before deciding that higher education wasn’t the right path for her. Instead, after discussing her options with her careers adviser, she was introduced to the apprenticeship route and quickly identified TSM as an ideal place to begin her career.
Located just a few minutes from her home, the company immediately made a positive impression.
“From my first interview, everyone at TSM came across as very professional but also friendly and approachable,” said Maia. “It felt like a company where people genuinely enjoy working and where there are opportunities to develop your career, which was really important to me.”
As part of her apprenticeship, Maia spends six hours each week studying independently, alongside one full day every month at Nottingham College, with the remainder of her time spent gaining practical experience within TSM’s busy commercial team.
The blend of classroom learning and real-world experience has allowed her to put theory into practice from day one.
Working closely with Suzanne Saynor, TSM’s Head of Business Development & Marketing, Maia has quickly become involved in a wide range of administrative and marketing activities.
“I’ve been very busy since I started,” she said. “I’ve been involved in all kinds of administration and marketing work, including competitor research, customer communications and supporting the wider team. TSM has a large and varied project pipeline, so there’s always something happening.
“It’s been great working with Suzanne. She’s been incredibly supportive and has really helped me get to grips with both the role and the industry.”
Like many people entering construction for the first time, Maia admits that the learning curve has been steep, but she’s embraced the opportunity to scale it.
“I came into the role without any previous knowledge of the construction industry. One of the biggest challenges has been understanding the level of technical detail that goes into every project. TSM’s work is highly specialised and there’s a lot of industry terminology to become familiar with, but I’m learning something new every day and I can see that, over time, I will build a lot of knowledge that will be useful throughout my career.”
For TSM Managing Director Adam Taylor, investing in young talent is vital for the future of construction.
Adam said: “The construction industry continues to face a significant skills shortage, so it’s vital that businesses invest in developing the next generation. Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the industry because they allow people to earn while they learn, gain recognised qualifications and develop practical skills in a real working environment.”
“We need to encourage more young people to consider careers in construction and do more to attract talented young women like Maia, who have so much to offer. There are fantastic opportunities across every part of the industry, not just on site. Functions such as business development, marketing, commercial management, project coordination and technical support are all essential to delivering successful projects. Maia has made an outstanding start and we’re delighted to support her development as she begins her career with us.”
Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as an effective way of broadening participation by providing accessible, practical career pathways that appeal to a wider range of young people. Suzanne Saynor believes apprenticeships also bring fresh perspectives and new ideas into businesses.
Suzanne said: “Supporting apprentices is incredibly rewarding because you can see their confidence and knowledge growing week by week. Maia has shown a genuine enthusiasm to learn and has embraced every opportunity that’s been presented to her. She has all the attributes needed to thrive and I’m certain that she will go from strength to strength.”
Maia is a rising star at TSM and, as she continues her apprenticeship, we are delighted to support her career journey. Her early experience demonstrates that apprenticeships are an excellent foundation for success in construction, combining education with practical experience. We hope her story will inspire more young people to explore the many opportunities available within our industry.
