Apprenticeship Spotlight – Luke Dsouza

For National Apprenticeship Week, Luke Dsouza shares his experience as an apprentice with Waterman Aspen. Luke joined us around 18 months ago as an Assistant Highways Engineer, and he’s already making an impact in the North East. Luke was recognised as CIHT North East & Cumbria Apprentice of the Year 2025, highlighting the contribution apprentices can make to the highways sector.

What do you see as the benefits of completing an apprenticeship while working at the same time?

“For me, the biggest benefit is being able to learn and apply it straight away. You get to see how engineering works in the real world, not just in theory. You also build relationships with clients and colleagues early on, while working towards a degree.”

Can you share an example of a project you’re currently working on that is shaping your skills and development?

“I’m currently working on active travel improvements in a busy town in North Yorkshire. It’s an exciting project because it includes a bit of everything: new cycle facilities, new pedestrian crossings, public realm upgrades, and highways and drainage design.

I’m supporting it from preliminary design through to construction, which has helped me broaden my knowledge, especially around standards, reporting and using design software.

The biggest development for me has been communication: coordinating with local authorities, the public and clients has improved how I plan, prioritise and keep everything running smoothly through each stage of the project.”

What makes an apprenticeship in highways engineering a strong route into the profession?

“I think it’s a great option because highways engineering is so hands-on. You’re involved in live projects, and you quickly see how things like traffic, safety and drainage link together.

There’s also huge demand for people coming through apprenticeships. It’s a secure career path. Roads will always need to be designed and maintained, which is what keeps the sector thriving.”

Want to hear another apprenticeship success story?

Read Liam Simpson’s Apprenticeship Spotlight to see how his degree apprenticeship helped him progress from joining Waterman Aspen in 2021 to becoming an Area Manager and where he’s aiming next.

---