Reflections on our apprenticeship journeys at Muse

As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, we sat down with Apprentice Project Manager’s Raheim Clemetson and Jadon Dooley to speak about their time at Muse to date – with one three years in, and the other recently passing the six-month mark.

While both are at different points in their journeys with us, a commonality came through our conversations; their time at Muse has given them the confidence, enthusiasm, and skills to go onto succeed in their careers within the regeneration industry.

Raheim and Jadon are two of several young talents Muse are proud to be supporting on their journey in the sector.

From first placement to professional pathway

For both Raheim and Jadon, work experience was the turning point.

“While I always aspired to work in property, it wasn’t until I came to Muse for two weeks of work experience that I really understood the different roles and opportunities in the industry,” says Raheim.

That experience led to the creation of an apprenticeship role within the Muse Academy. During this time he was not only able to focus on completing his Level 3 qualification at Salford City College but gain valuable hands-on exposure to the industry.

In addition to the valuable on-the-job training and work experience opportunities facilitated directly by Muse, he was able to undertake several secondment opportunities with businesses from across the industry.

“While college was great for that educational basis, I would say I learnt a lot more at Muse! I was able to ask any questions and gain valuable experience and knowledge from others.”

Raheim is now continuing this journey, balancing his time between studying Real Estate Development and Management at the University of Salford, with his role at Muse.

For Jadon, his journey began through our grassroots partnership with Oldham College, where he joined Muse as a T-Level student.

Yet much like Raheim, his experience at Muse was “eye-opening” – enabling him to work alongside design and professional consultant teams and their partners on projects, attend industry events such as UKREiiF, and gain valuable support and advice from colleagues.

The passion and potential he showed during his placement opened the door for him to return in a role within the business.

For both, that early exposure provided clarity and direction – turning interest into a long-term career pathway.

A culture that supports growth

When asked what has helped them develop most, both apprentices point to the same thing: the people.

“I’ve learnt more here than I expected,” says Raheim. “If you have a question, people take the time to explain it properly. There’s a lot of knowledge and experience here, and people want to share it.”

Over the last three years, Raheim has worked with several line managers and mentors, refining his experience as the apprenticeship programme has developed. He describes the approach as stretching, but supportive.

For Jadon, the supportive culture has been equally important during his time with the business.

“The friendly and genuinely invested culture at Muse has helped me learn and develop,” he says. “Having supportive people around you makes a huge difference to your confidence and growth.”

He credits Hugh Taylor, Project Manager on the Oldham Town Centre transformation, for making a significant impact.

“He makes time in his busy schedule to catch up and help me with anything I need. That’s been a big part of my personal development.”

Jadon has also benefited from mentoring through Future of Greater Manchester, a regional network which supports the next generation of urban leaders as part of its work.

“I meet with my mentor, Collette Hayton, to talk through challenges I’m facing. She gives advice and helps me work through them. That’s really helped me grow.”

Responsibility, recognition and real impact

During their time at Muse, both apprentices have worked on projects at every stage – from early planning and legal agreements, through to construction and completion.

Project experience has shaped Raheim’s development. He supported delivery at the award-winning Eden in Salford, gaining insight into sustainability standards, and now works on the £100m regeneration of Prestwich town centre, attending design meetings and representing Muse on site.

“Seeing projects at different stages – from early planning and legal agreements through to construction and completion – has helped me understand the full process. When I first joined, I didn’t realise how much coordination happens before you even get on site. Now I really appreciate it.”

Yet one standout moment on his journey came in 2024 when he was named Apprentice of the Year at Salford City College.

“It was a proud moment,” he says. “My mum was there at the ceremony. Hearing everything that had been written about my progress made me realise how far I’d come.”

For Jadon, his experience over the last six months has been shaped by the role he has played supporting the £450m transformation of his hometown, Oldham town centre, a vision to create a new, thriving, town centre neighbourhood right on his doorstep.

He also highlights the infectious passion he sees across the business from colleagues.

“Seeing how passionate Muse is about regeneration and placemaking, and how much attention and effort goes into projects, has been inspiring.”

Raheim added that another meaningful shift has been becoming a mentor himself. With the arrival of other young people taking their own first steps in the industry, he has been willing to share his advice and support to them.

“When new apprentices or T-Level students join, I try to help them settle in,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just about explaining complex terms in plain English, because I remember when I first started I struggled to understand the acronyms and construction terms.

Looking ahead

Raheim is currently in the first year of his five-year university course and has a clear long-term goal.

“I want to expand on my knowledge, complete my degree and become a Chartered Surveyor. That’s the end goal.”

Jadon is also in the first year of his university studies and is focused on building experience alongside his studies.

“I want to graduate first,” he says. “But I can’t wait to have my own project that I’ll be running myself. I’m excited to face the challenges that come with that, because this job is never quiet.”

Both are focused on continuing to grow, take on responsibility and contributing meaningfully to the places we help to shape in the North West.

Their advice is straightforward

Their advice to other young people considering an apprenticeship in the built environment is consistent.

“Put yourself out there, get work experience and try to expose yourself to the industry ,” says Raheim. “Show that you’re willing to learn. That’s the biggest thing.”

Jadon agrees.

“My advice is to go for it. The hand-on learning, supportive people and real opportunities to grow make it one of the best ways to start your career.”

For Muse, Raheim and Jadon’s experience to date serves as a reminder of what is possible when young talent is supported and empowered to thrive in the industry.

As a business we take a responsibility to improve accessibility to the sector, upskill, and develop young people seriously.

We are proud to have given a number of young people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable mentorship opportunities and look forward to building on this in the years to come.