Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK was shortlisted in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West’s awards for best small project under £5m.

Jones Bros designed and built the £4.2m helicopter base in Barrow-in-Furness, which enables helicopters to transport technicians to and from Walney Extension, one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.

The ICE awards recognise excellence and imaginative concepts in civil engineering practice across the North West Region.

The ceremony, which was due to be held at the Mercure Hotel in Manchester, was moved online due to the coronavirus and social distancing measures.

Garod Evans, contracts director at Jones Bros, said: “We feel proud that our hard work has been recognised by leaders in the industry, which further reinforces the skills and dedication of our employees.”

Garod also praised the team for working collaboratively with its client Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind.

He added: “Our early involvement allowed us to work with Ørsted to design out risks and deliver the project within budget. We also worked together to ensure flight operations continued safely and unaffected by construction works.

“The project was delivered with zero lost time accidents and on programme using a combination of our in-house resources and carefully selected specialist sub-contractors.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros’ leadership team consists of members of the second and third generations of the founding family. It employs more than 400 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced more than 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role.  It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.

For further info on this, please click here Jones Bros is flying high after recognition at industry awards.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awarded Ruthin-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK the gold award for the protection of its 400-strong workforce.

RoSPA Gold Award winners have achieved a very high level of performance, demonstrating well developed occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk and very low levels of error, harm and loss.

Jones Bros will receive the President’s Award, given to companies which earn gold award status for 10 or more years in a row, in London on 8 September.

Mike Jolley, senior health, safety and environment manager, said: “Keeping all our employees, contractors and site visitors safe remains a long-term number one priority for Jones Bros.

“Achieving the gold award for each of the past 12 years is a huge recognition of that.

“This is a fantastic accomplishment, not just for the health, safety and environmental team, but for every single member of our workforce.

“Our employees have embraced the efforts made to continually enhance and improve health and safety across all our operations, and without them contributing and adhering to guidelines and best practices, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Examples of Jones Bros’ recent successes include clocking a quarter of a million hours worked on the Wigan A49 link road site without a lost time injury and hosting a Boots on the Ground initiative with Balfour Beatty on the site of the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass.

The Boots on the Ground event was held by the joint venture for partners and local organisations to help improve health and safety in the construction and agricultural industries.

RoSPA is one of the most prestigious and recognised schemes in the world, with almost 2,000 entries every year and a reach of more than 7 million employees.

It awards businesses for demonstrating well developed occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk and very low levels of error, harm and loss.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros’ leadership team consists of members of the second and third generations of the founding family. It employs more than 400 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced more than 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role.  It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.

For further info on this, please click here Jones Bros strikes gold for top health and safety award.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s new Wigan premises, located just 100 metres from its A49 link road scheme in the town, will act as a base for its projects across the north of England.

In addition to constructing the A49 highway for Wigan Council, it has commenced activity on a spine road for a £100m industrial park in Cheshire, and is progressing with a heliport build in Barrow-in-Furness.

And the move further cements Jones Bros’ reputation as a trusted civil engineering contractor in the area, says major projects manager Mike Jones.

He said: “We are carrying out more schemes in the north west and it made business sense to launch a Jones Bros office nearby. In addition to the current jobs underway, we are expecting to win further work in the coming weeks and months in the region.

“The benefits of the new base are wide-ranging, including having easier access to our English and Scottish projects, and our employees spending less time commuting to and from our headquarters in Wales, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.

“It will also aid recruitment, with local people recognising that we are here for the long-term and not just while the projects continue.

“We have a number of roles available, including for apprenticeships, and would urge anyone interested to find out more information by visiting our website’s careers section.”

The office is at Unity House, Westwood Park, Wigan, WN3 4HE.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family and employs more than 350 people. 

The family-owned firm has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years, with many of its senior management having started out in apprenticeship and trainee roles.

As well as highways, it works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, renewable energy, and flood and marine defence projects around the UK.

For further info on this, please click here Jones Bros opens new north west office in Wigan.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s Matthew Manuel, Sion Hughes, and Ben Ellwood were shortlisted at the annual Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Wales awards in Cardiff.

Site engineer Matthew was named joint winner of most promising trainee civil engineer (non graduate) after impressing judges with his career progression.

Starting as a labourer, he completed a plant operator apprenticeship before passing his level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in civil engineering. He is currently studying for a civil engineering degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

And Matthew, who is heavily involved with Jones Bros’ Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm project in Denbighshire, was thrilled to scoop the award.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the recognition as it confirms my studying and work on site is paying off.

“Jones Bros has been fantastic throughout and supported my career aspirations at every stage.

“Working at Clocaenog is helping me further my development because I’m involved with construction, environmental, and cost control aspects, in addition to supervising Hari Evans, a young trainee who has just started his HNC.” 

Sion Hughes received a high commendation for most promising apprentice thanks to passing his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) tests with flying colours.

Achieving full marks in a number of theory tests, he is now a fully-fledged articulated dump truck driver on sites across the UK, and currently operates plant on one of the company’s wind farm projects.

Ben Ellwood narrowly missed out on most promising trainee civil engineer (graduate) having made the transition from summer placement to full time employee with Jones Bros.

He is now working towards a master’s degree via day release at university, as well as chartered engineer status through Jones Bros’ ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) training programme.

Ruth James, director at Jones Bros, said: “Matthew, Sion, and Ben have all done the company proud at the awards, and thoroughly deserve their recognition for making outstanding career progress.

“We focus on employing people with the right attitude and enthusiasm to help them build a life long career in civil engineering, with support on training and development available.

“Matthew, Sion, and Ben have all grasped the opportunity with both hands and we are keen to speak to anyone interested in joining our award-winning apprenticeship programme.”

To find out more about apprenticeships at Jones Bros, visit: /careers/apprenticeship/

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family and employs more than 350 people. 

The family-owned firm has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years, with many of its senior management having started out in apprenticeship and trainee roles.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, renewable energy, and flood and marine defence projects around the UK.

For further info on this, please click here Jones Bros apprenticeship graduates recognised at major industry awards.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK will receive the President’s Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for successfully protecting the wellbeing of its workforce.

And the accolade marks more than a decade of health and safety excellence at the Ruthin-based firm, which has developed a number of initiatives to keep its employees safe.

Jones Bros’ workers on site have the power to report near misses and unsafe conditions via a mobile app, from which approximately 90 per cent of the civil engineering contractor’s reports are made.

In addition, the award-winning company carries out regular training to keep employees updated on best practice, and produces its own health and safety films shot on live construction sites. These all support the company’s behavioural safety initiative, Together Safer.

Health and safety manager Mike Jolley, who will represent Jones Bros at RoSPA’s official awards ceremony at ExCel in London in June, says that encouraging staff to take personal ownership of their safety is continuing to pay off.

He said: “We’re thrilled to have won our 11th consecutive RoSPA Gold award, and it doubles up as our second President’s Award, which goes to firms who have won gold at least 10 times.

“Our success is down to our employees, as everyone, regardless of their role, knows they have the ability to report a concern, or a positive act, quickly and with ease.

“We’re always developing our procedures to stay at the forefront of the industry, and are looking to develop and grow the team as we’re currently hiring a health, safety, and environment advisor to join us.”

Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, added: “The RoSPA Awards have become the key fixture in the health and safety calendar with new sponsors and new awards this year including the Leisure Safety Awards, the Safe@Work Safe@Home Award, and the Inspiration Awards.

“Highly-respected, with almost 2,000 entrants every year, RoSPA award winners benefit from the wide-ranging rewards of improved sector reputation.”

The RoSPA Awards scheme, which receives entries from organisations around the world, recognises achievement in health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

For more information about the RoSPA Awards visit www.rospa.com/awards

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family and employs more than 350 people. 

The family-owned firm has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years, with many of its senior management having started out in apprenticeship and trainee roles.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, renewable energy, and flood and marine defence projects around the UK.

To apply for Jones Bros’ health, safety, and environment advisor vacancy, click here.

For further info on this, please click here Civil engineering company recognised for health and safety standards.

Economy Minister Ken Skates visited Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK to meet some of its civil engineering apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

National Apprenticeship Week 2019 is a week-long celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals and businesses.

Speaking after the visit, Economy Minister Ken Skates said:  “It was a pleasure to visit Jones Bros, a family founded and run civil engineering company that employs around 350 people here in Ruthin,  and is behind some of the flagship North Wales infrastructure schemes including the Llangefni Link Road.

“In the last five years, Jones Bros has recruited and trained an average of 34 apprentices per year,  with each employed by the company from day one and benefiting from the  high-quality training provided at its dedicated training facility.”

Richard Owen, training manager at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “Jones Bros is an industry leader for apprenticeships, and the feedback we have from those taking part is incredible.

“Our apprenticeship programmes not only train the learners how to carry out their work, but they give them life skills and a very solid foundation for their career progression.

“The vast majority of our apprentices have stayed with the company after completing their apprenticeship, with some now enrolled on our higher apprenticeship course as part of their career development.

“We were pleased to have the chance to showcase how our apprentices have, and will continue to, impact the Welsh economy by working and developing new skills on significant projects in the region such as the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass.”

Gary Salisbury, 21, from Buckley, Flintshire, graduated from Jones Bros’ general construction operative (GCO) apprenticeship programme in 2017. He is now studying towards the level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment (civil engineering).

Gary said: “The training and support provided throughout my Jones Bros career has been second-to-none. The apprenticeship course and the experience gained on site is something you cannot buy or learn just in a classroom.

“In my interview three years ago I mentioned I wanted to become an engineer and Jones Bros has given me the pathway to achieve that while supporting me all the way through.

“I’m already seeing the benefits of the higher apprenticeship while out on site, including having a better understanding of day-to-day operations.”

Josh Carter, 27, from Valley, Anglesey, graduated from Jones Bros’ plant operative apprenticeship in 2018. He is now studying towards the level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment (civil engineering).

Josh said: “The apprenticeship and two years as a plant operator provided me with valuable experience across the different sectors that Jones Bros works in.

“The HNC course puts me on the path to becoming a trainee engineer, and my past experience as a plant operator will prove to be a very valuable asset for me going forward.

“I have been very fortunate for Jones Bros to give me this opportunity and would recommend the apprenticeship courses to anyone who is seeking to start a career in civil engineering.”

For further info on this, please click here Minister celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with civil engineering apprentices.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is commencing work with Balfour Beatty to deliver the £135 million Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass on behalf of the Welsh Government.

The announcement follows the end of a formal statutory process.

The project will create a new 9.8km carriageway from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 to the Plas Menai roundabout, realigning the A487 to ease congestion, improve journey times, and support the North West Wales economy.

Work includes the construction of 14 structures, including 148-metre and 280-metre viaducts over the Afon Seiont and Afon Gwyrfai respectively, two multi-span bridges, 18 culverts, three new roundabouts, and two reconfigured roundabouts.

Detailed designs, preparations, and ground investigations are currently taking place, with the setting up of a site compound and offices to begin shortly.

More than 200 operative and delivery staff are anticipated to be on site during the peak of construction, with completion expected in autumn 2021. The scheme will also involve apprentice, trainee, and work placement positions.

Hefin Lloyd-Davies, contracts director at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “The progression of the contract is pleasing and we’re looking forward to providing benefits to the region including jobs, training, and skills.

“We have a proud history of not only delivering high profile projects in a joint venture with Balfour Beatty, but caring about the communities in which we operate.”

Thomas Edgcumbe, managing director for Balfour Beatty’s Regional North and Midlands business, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a scheme which on completion will provide significant benefits to the economic landscape.

“Having worked with Jones Bros and the Welsh Government on a number of ongoing and historic projects, we are confident that we will successfully deliver this highly anticipated scheme to schedule and leave behind a lasting legacy for the local community.”

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased to announce Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros will be working together to construct this significant development in North West Wales.

“I have made clear this scheme will deliver for the area and provide a boost for the region’s economy. Balfour Beatty Jones Bros will be putting this into action by offering local employment opportunities as well as placements for trainees, apprentices and graduates. There will also be a prime focus on local spend on materials and sub-contracts where possible and meet the buyer events will be held in due course to encourage local people and companies to apply for work on the project.

“The Welsh Government is investing substantially in the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass which will make a real difference to communities in the area as well as the travelling public.

“Design and development work continues at speed and construction will begin shortly.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence, and renewable energy projects around the UK.

For further info on this, please click here Jones Bros secures joint venture contract to deliver £135 million Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass.

The Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm Energy Project has been named civil engineering project of the year at the Constructing Excellence (CE) national awards, which recognise leading organisations, contracts, and individuals in the sector.

The prestigious accolade follows the wind farm’s home-grown success, as it came out top in the same category at the Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) awards in July.

Ruthin-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Balfour Beatty delivered balance of plant and infrastructure services at the renewables site, which is the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales.

The project adopted a local employment policy, which resulted in 65 per cent of its workforce being employed from a 35-mile radius of the site.

200 people worked at the 76-turbine wind farm at the peak of construction, with the local economy benefitting through pay packets being reinvested into the area.

The joint venture also established a ‘Wave Hello: Wave Goodbye’ scheme to protect pedestrians and cyclists from heavy plant vehicles as they passed through the 4,600 hectare land. The programme instructed site visitors to make visible contact with plant operatives, to ensure they were aware of their presence.

Zero waste was sent to landfill, as the project extracted and processed 700,000 tonnes of rock on the site, reducing demand for haulage vehicle journeys to and from the South Wales valley.

Eryl Roberts, joint venture project manager, said: “We’re pleased that Pen Y Cymoedd has been recognised by the industry as the best civil engineering project in the UK.

“Our approach ensured that the contract gave back to the economy, with 92 per cent of all labour sourced within Wales. We also worked with schools to organise 400 site visits during construction.

“One of the most pleasing aspects was health and safety, as the standard was so high it was rated Vattenfall’s number one site worldwide.”

Pen Y Cymoedd is owned and operated by Vattenfall and generates enough electricity to power 188,000 homes.

For further info on this, please click here Wind farm generates awards success for Jones Bros.

Richard Owen, training manager at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, joins the Wales council for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) on a three-year tenure.

The CITB works closely with businesses to encourage training, which helps to build a safe, professional, and fully-qualified workforce.

And Richard, who has been with Jones Bros for four years, joins the council to support the CITB as it works towards its 2020 vision to deliver a world-class construction workforce in the UK.

As part of the vision, the Wales council ensures that the CITB is aware of key challenges and opportunities in the sector including advising on topics such as skills and training grants.

In addition, the council will also play an active role in creating the CITB’s strategic business objectives for medium and long-term goals, which includes encouraging people into the industry.

Richard said: “Joining the Wales council is an excellent opportunity to help provide vital support for the construction workers of the future.

“By improving the training process in Wales, we will work towards better productivity and more highly skilled careers in the industry.

“I’m looking forward to representing Jones Bros, as we’re passionate about training people interested in developing a construction or civil engineering career. Indeed, some of our senior people at the company joined as an apprentice and have progressed through the ranks.”

Richard oversees all of Jones Bros’ training schemes from its award-winning training centre in Ruthin, which runs CITB approved courses in construction and plant operation.

The appointment continues the CITB’s strong links with Jones Bros, with the organisation naming the company its ‘Outstanding Training Partner’ and ‘Large Apprentice Employer of the Year’ in 2015.

The civil engineering contractor has recruited and trained 124 apprentices during the past four years.

Founded in the 1950s, Jones Bros employs approximately 360 people. It operates across the UK in sectors including construction of waste management facilities, highways, and renewable energy projects such as wind farms.

For further info on this, please click here Experienced training manager joins industry board for Wales.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Coleg Cambria have partnered to modernise the approach to delivering higher apprenticeships in civil engineering. The change to the modular delivery is to suit the needs of the business and is believed to be the first in the UK.

Traditionally, students would be on day release throughout the programme, spending four days of the week on site with the employer, with the fifth day at the college.

The apprentices on the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment (civil engineering) will instead alternate two-three week blocks of time on site with Jones Bros and at Coleg Cambria.

The Ruthin-based civil engineering contractor will also have a dedicated room at the college’s Bersham Road campus in Wrexham.

Huw Jones, chairman of Jones Bros, said: “We are always seeking to build on our award-winning apprenticeship programmes, and we believe this new approach for the higher apprenticeship will improve the experience for our apprentices and the business.

“We are all very positive that the apprentices will prefer having concentrated blocks of learning followed by uninterrupted time on site with us.

“This is a fantastic example of a college listening and responding to an employer’s need.

“Giving people a chance of employment, learning skills, and getting recognised industry qualifications has been at the heart of our company since it was founded 60 years ago. We have taken on 124 apprentices across a range of disciplines including plant operator, general construction operatives (GCOs), and plant maintenance in the last four years, and we are excited for this next phase of our apprenticeship journey.”

Coleg Cambria’s assistant principal & director of curriculum Nick Tyson said: “Coleg Cambria is delighted to be joining forces with Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK.

“Together we are addressing the needs of the modern workforce, providing a more flexible and innovative approach to apprenticeships and learning which reflects advances in industry.

“At Cambria we put our students and apprentices at the heart of everything we do, preparing them for their chosen careers and life after college. Jones Bros has the same ethos and this ground-breaking higher apprenticeship programme is testament to that.”

Josh Carter, 27, from Anglesey, is one of the first apprentices to be enrolling on the new course. He joined Jones Bros in June 2016 as a plant operator apprentice and has been working at Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm for the last year.

He said: “Swapping day release for blocks of learning will allow us to focus on the training and the theory in more depth. I’ve been interested in studying for the higher apprenticeship for a long time and I’m excited to not only be doing it, but to be studying for it in this way.

“The course will allow me to develop my career with Jones Bros further, and I’m hoping to be working on some exciting projects in the coming years including the Caernarfon bypass, which is close to home.”

For more information about Coleg Cambria visit: https://www.cambria.ac.uk/

For further info on this, please click here Civil engineering firm and college collaborate to modernise delivery of higher apprenticeships.