Jack Stewart joined Sterling in 2009 and is now the senior estimator of our projects division.

But his successful journey with us can be traced back to an eventful break-time while he was working in McDonald’s – as Jack explains.

“I was studying for my A-levels at the former Roby College and also working at McDonald’s.

“And one day on my break I went with one of my mates to Huyton Village as he was applying to get on the Knowsley Apprenticeship Scheme – something I hadn’t heard of.

“He was applying for an accountancy job through the apprenticeship and a woman involved said why don’t I apply, so I did.”

The rest is history

And after a successful interview with Sterling, Jack was offered a book-keeping apprenticeship.

Jack from Huyton continued his studies while at Sterling completing an AAT accountancy course.

But after expressing an interest and proving he was willing and had the skills needed to flourish, Sterling offered him the chance to pursue a career in estimating – which put simply is a detailed calculation of the likely expenditures associated with a project.

He is now our senior estimator, responsible for tendering for and securing all our larger projects.

Jack has recently self-funded and completed a five-year part time degree in quantity surveying to broaden his knowledge of the industry.

“I learned a lot of useful things I could apply and use in my day job, but I must say doing my day job really helped me succeed on the course.

“For example, one of the modules was estimating. While that was a brand-new concept to some I had knowledge of it as I had been doing it for real.”

On the right track

And married dad-of-two Jack, 30, who takes part in motocross in his spare time, said he loves the fast-paced job at Sterling and the company’s willingness to support employees’ career aspirations.

“You are not tied down here. Nothing is handed to you on a plate but if you show willing and put the hard work in and get the experience there are so many opportunities here.

“When I started here, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and it has opened up a whole career for me and taken me across the UK.

“The great thing about coming in as an apprentice at Sterling is that they nurture you and help you to grow rather than expect you to know everything on your first day.”

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