Building a Sustainable Future: Why Apprenticeships and Diversity Hold the Key to Change in Construction

The construction industry is under more pressure than ever to deliver on sustainability. But sustainability is not just about materials or reducing carbon emissions. It is also about building businesses that last, developing people, and creating inclusive workplaces where every voice matters.

In this blog, we delve into insights from Dave Mills of Lyons & Annoot, exploring how apprenticeships, diversity of thought, and subtle but powerful changes are shaping the future of construction.

The Real Meaning of Building a Sustainable Future in Construction

When we talk about sustainability, the conversation often defaults to environmental impact. But true sustainability in construction is multi-layered. According to Dave Mills, sustainability is about:

• The Environment: Reducing embodied carbon in the materials we use and in the way we run our sites.

• People: Creating pathways for new talent to join the industry and stay for the long term.

• Business Longevity: Adapting to industry changes while preserving the skills, quality, and expertise that make the sector strong.

  
  

At Lyons & Annoot, sustainability isn't a buzzword. It’s a practical commitment backed by science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions by 50%, a structured apprenticeship programme that retains talent for decades, and a focus on building community value on every project. Their latest innovation, the Circulabrick, is a prime example of this thinking in action, a brick designed for circular construction, enabling reuse and reducing waste across the supply chain.

Apprenticeships: The Bedrock of a Thriving Industry

One of the strongest themes from our conversation with Dave Mills is the vital role of apprenticeships. Too often, businesses treat apprentices as a numbers game – taking on large intakes only to see most drop out within months.

Dave’s view is simple:

"If you can't support them properly, you shouldn't take them on."

At Lyons & Anoot, apprenticeships are built on three pillars:

• Mentorship: The 'Mentor Me' programme ensures every apprentice has consistent guidance and support, not just a job and a college day.

• Investment: Time and money are invested in understanding each apprentice’s learning style, strengths, and challenges – using cognitive assessments and tailored support to help them thrive.

• Belonging: Apprentices are involved in real-life change projects, trialling low-carbon materials and innovations like the Circulabrick before they reach sites, giving them confidence and a sense of purpose from day one.

  
  

This approach leads to long-term retention. Many Lyons & Annoot apprentices from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s are still with the business today. This is sustainable workforce development in action.

Diversity of Thought: The Missing Link in Construction Innovation

Diversity in construction is often discussed in terms of gender or quotas. But true diversity is broader than that. As Dave highlights, construction needs people with different perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences to solve complex sustainability challenges.

From rethinking materials and improving embodied carbon performance to enhancing safety and wellbeing on site, different minds spark innovation.

The 'similar to me' effect is powerful for attracting new talent into the industry – young people need to see role models they can relate to but growth also requires leaders to actively seek out people who think differently.

Creating space for diverse voices isn't just the right thing to do. It's how we future-proof the industry and make sustainability achievable.

Making Change Without Scaring People

Change is inevitable in construction. New regulations, client demands, and sustainability targets mean the industry cannot stay still. Yet, as Dave points out, change must be managed carefully. People fear radical shifts, especially when they're used to doing things a certain way.

The key is subtle, meaningful improvements:

• Introducing low-carbon products that look and perform like traditional ones.

• Reusing materials like steel without compromising on safety or quality.

• Making step-by-step changes that reduce emissions by 50% or more without disrupting project delivery.

• 
  

When leaders bring people along on the journey, instead of forcing abrupt transformation, resistance drops, collaboration rises, and real progress is made.

Leadership Lessons for a Sustainable Future

What stands out in this conversation with Dave Mills is a leadership approach rooted in values, not just targets. Sustainable construction is not about box-ticking or PR statements. It is about:

• Doing the right thing even when it’s harder or more expensive.

• Investing in people as much as in technology.

• Creating workplaces where diverse ideas are welcomed and explored.

• Leading change confidently but inclusively.

  
  

Construction leaders who understand that sustainability is about people, processes, and the planet will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead.

Final Thoughts If we want to build a future-proof construction industry, we need to think bigger than net zero targets. We need to invest in apprenticeships that last, leadership that values inclusion, and innovations like the Circulabrick that make circular construction a reality.

As Lyons & Annoot show, sustainability is not about throwing out tradition – it's about combining old skills with new ideas to create something stronger, smarter, and fairer for everyone.

Listen to the full conversation with Dave Mills on The Heald Approach Podcast.