Meet Layla Scurr, Business Administration Apprentice at A&N Safety Consultants!
For Layla, choosing a Business Administration Apprenticeship has opened the door to an exciting career in construction health and safety.
Since starting with A&N Safety Consultants in November 2025, she has been earning while learning – gaining practical experience in health and safety while developing the professional skills that underpin every successful business.
Following a recent STEM Construction workshop hosted at Middlesbrough College, we caught up with Laya and Andrea Nicholls, Director of A&N Safety Consultants, to learn more about Layla’s apprenticeship journey so far, the impact she is already making within the business, and why investing in apprentices is helping to shape the future of the industry.
Layla said: “My role is Business Administration apprentice, so day-to-day, I work with health and safety documents such as PCI (Pre-Construction Information), CPPs (Construction Phase Plans) and RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement). My work focuses on ensuring the right measures are in place before and after a build.
“I also manage the business’s social media, which I really enjoy.”
A&N Safety Consultants provides professional health and safety support to organisations across the North East, offering services including compliance, risk assessment, site inspections, safety audits, policy development and accreditation support.
As a female-led company, Director’s Andrea Nichols and Abigail Alick are passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in construction. Through their active involvement with NAWIC Tees Valley, they have built a valued partnership with Middlesbrough College, delivering interactive STEM workshops that encourage students and school pupils to explore careers within the sector.
Despite only being with A&N Safety Consultants for a short time, Layla is already making an impact.
“My first construction site visit was a highlight; we toured a train station car park development. Attending my first health and safety meeting to discuss the documents I’d prepared felt like a great achievement.
“I’ve also been attending networking events, which has really helped boost my confidence.”
Alongside her role, Layla attends college one day per week with apprentices from a variety of sectors, where she builds her skills to support her job.
“I chose an apprenticeship because I prefer hands-on learning and gaining real experience. Business administration is so varied and exists in every industry needs. I’d never considered working in construction before, but the apprenticeship has opened my eyes to a whole new sector.
“I’ve developed lots of technical skills, especially in Word and Excel, which have helped me grow my health and safety knowledge.”
Following completion of her apprenticeship, Layla plans to continue her career at A&N Safety Consultants and train as a Health and Safety Consultant. She hopes to complete IOSH and NEBOSH qualifications to support her progression.
Andrea praised Layla’s contributions, noting the positive impact she has had on the business.
“Layla has been fantastic. She’s taken everything on board so quickly and is really developing an understanding of the health and safety landscape. She’s always looking for opportunities to learn.
“With Layla supporting the administration and marketing, Abigail and I can focus on working with clients and bringing in new business.
“We’ve been very lucky to have her. She has a natural flare for digital marketing and will soon be taking ownership of our website. On the days when we’re out on site or with clients, she works independently. Her confidence has really grown, which is great to see.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone unsure of their next steps after school, Layla said:
“Look for an apprenticeship right away! You learn so much in the workplace, and it prepares you for any industry. It looks good on your CV, and you might secure a permanent position at the end.”
Andrea added advice for employers:
“We’ve had such a positive experience taking on an apprentice and offering T Level work placements. The tutors and staff at the college are supportive and easy to communicate with.
“If your business is in a position to take on an apprentice or a T Level student, I would definitely recommend it.”
Related
See our latest Apprenticeship Vacancies here