7 Questions with Lila Hill

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on the important role apprenticeships play in developing the next generation of fire engineers. Apprenticeships in fire engineering offer a unique opportunity to combine academic study with real-world experience, building technical competence, confidence, and industry insight from an early stage.

In this edition of 7 Questions with BB7, I caught up with Lila Hill, an Apprentice Fire Engineer at BB7, to talk about why she chose the apprenticeship route, how she balances university study with hands-on project work, and what it’s really like learning fire engineering on the job.

1.    What made you choose an apprenticeship route, and what attracted you to BB7?

I pursued an apprenticeship as it allows me to gain practical, hands-on experience in Fire Engineering. I am able to learn from and contribute to the industry through the job, while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Fire Engineering, from the University of Lancashire.

In today’s job climate, apprenticeships are beneficial by beginning career progression early while also obtaining professional qualifications. This industry experience can give apprentices an advantage in the job market, increasing our employability through profession-relevant, practical skills.

I initially found BB7 while searching for apprenticeships in Fire Engineering. I was impressed by the breadth of projects demonstrated through case studies on BB7’s website, as well as a very positive company culture, made further evident after I contacted them. BB7 were very helpful, setting up a conversation with one of their current apprentices and giving me firsthand insight into the role.

2.    Can you describe your role and what a typical day looks like for you?

I began my role in September 2025, and so far I’ve been really enjoying the breadth of work I’ve been able to get involved with. I am being given oversight of the development of buildings, from RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 6 and beyond (such as remedial work on existing buildings). This also gives me insight and involvement into how fire engineers work with assessors, architects, and other people and bodies involved in large construction projects. I do this through project involvement; I have been able to contribute to architectural drawing reviews of floor plans and external wall make-ups, as well as different reports such as fire strategies and FRAEW’s. I have also been involved in a two-day fire safety conference, informing me of the past and present situations within the fire industry, what we are currently striving towards and goals that have been met. There is much more I have already been involved with during my time with BB7, and a typical day would include contribution to one of the activities named above; there is always something new. There is an excellent variety of projects available, and a graduate framework to look through and request work direction from.

3.    What’s been the biggest learning curve since starting your apprenticeship?

My biggest learning curve since beginning my apprenticeship has been the balance in workload. My working days with BB7, alongside university work and assignments means there is a lot to juggle. There is overlap between the two, with deadlines for university being during working hours rather than limited to when I’m physically at university. Having flexibility is important, and it has taught me responsibility, strong organisation, and prioritisation habits. Another learning curve has been moving from classroom-based understanding to real-world application, for example, reviewing architects’ floor plans, applying guidance documents, and adding and updating fire strategies or FRAEWs, rather than answering textbook questions. It is a more practical way of learning that I am really enjoying.

4.    How does learning on the job compare to studying in a classroom environment?

Learning on the job is a more practical learning approach than classroom environments, enabling the application of studies in real-world situations. There is a gain in industry experience that classroom learning may lack, allowing us as apprentices to leave with a higher level of expertise compared to our non-apprentice peers with the same qualifications. Classroom study gives a structured foundation of fundamentals, which is a key aspect of the university side of the degree apprenticeship, with workplace exposure cementing that knowledge through real constraints; the two reinforce each other.

Personally, I have highly valued the balance between both of these learning styles, finding it very suitable for me to have a more applied experience rather than theoretical learning from the start.

5.    What’s the most rewarding part of being an apprentice so far?

The most rewarding part of being an apprentice, I think, is having an active input into my chosen profession, far earlier than many others. The apprenticeship reinforces my choice in career path, while also giving me an opportunity to contribute directly to improving the safety of buildings and the protection of occupants. It is rewarding and leads me to look forward to my work and future projects. The learning pace is fast, and I’ve been able to see my improvement, from drafting report sections or strengthening my drawing reviews, I can see my development through the work I am producing and the technical competence I am building. My choice in career and apprenticeship path is continuously being affirmed, and I am truly enjoying it.

6.    How have colleagues and mentors at BB7 supported your development?

Since joining BB7, everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I work with both engineers and assessors, giving me a true overview of a building’s development, and I have been given a lot of encouragement to ask questions and get a wide breadth of experience. Mentors and colleagues have been ensuring structured guidance, providing and reviewing my work, as well as taking the time to talk me through specifics of guidance documents and other technical areas, giving me skills and knowledge to apply on live projects. There is access to internal CPD sessions through BB7’s Learning Lounge, providing easy access to further training and options for self-directed learning. There are regular conversations about my development, and space to request further involvement and opportunities in areas I’m less familiar but interested in.

7.    What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in the built environment or engineering?

My advice is don’t be afraid of reaching out to anyone for information regarding apprenticeships or available positions. I gained so much knowledge about apprenticeships in fire engineering through discussions with current apprentices, and I gained those opportunities through researching companies and proactively reaching out. The fire industry is often an overlooked career, so being able to learn more about it through direct engagement definitely helped inform my choice. If you are considering a career in the built environment, I also recommend looking for work shadowing and experience. This was how I was introduced to fire engineering and assessing, years before I began my apprenticeship with BB7. This direct exposure to the work reinforced its importance and appeal to me.

A big thank you to Lila for taking the time to share her experience and reflections so openly. Her journey highlights the value of apprenticeships in fire engineering, not only in building technical skills, but in giving early-career engineers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to building safety.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, it’s encouraging to see how apprenticeship pathways are helping shape the future of the fire engineering profession and supporting the development of skilled, confident engineers across the industry.