Meet the apprentice helping to fix Hull’s Drypool Bridge

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February), Hull City Council is shining a light on Bernard Fredy Djikingue Siewe – an aspiring quantity surveyor working on one of the city’s most iconic structures, Drypool Bridge. 

Fredy, 22, is completing a degree-level quantity surveying apprenticeship with Sheffield Hallam University and Esh Construction, the main contractor delivering the major Drypool Bridge repair and strengthening scheme. 

Fredy’s interest in quantity surveying was inspired by his dad, a bricklayer by trade. This, paired with the skills he acquired through studying A-level maths, gave Fredy the confidence to apply for the role. 

Now in his third year of the apprenticeship, Fredy has supported several significant projects, including the Sheffield Road active travel scheme, a new roundabout on Scunthorpe’s M181, the repair of the historic Abbeydale Dam, and now Drypool Bridge.  

Since joining the Drypool Bridge team in July 2025, he has played a key role in the ongoing programme to repair the bridge, which connects Clarence Street to Alfred Gelder Street, gaining valuable hands‑on experience with support and oversight from experienced staff at Esh Construction. 

His responsibilities have included volumetric measuring of silt bags and assessing the quality of work completed by sub‑contractors. 

Talking about what it’s like working on Drypool Bridge, including the challenges he has faced, Fredy said: “Each day is different, that’s why I like the job role so much. 

“Understanding the complexity of the structure was my biggest challenge at first, as well as understanding steelworks and the types of sub-contractors we use. 

“However, I’ve overcome this by asking questions and understanding that I am here to learn most importantly. So, I’m just taking it upon myself to ask questions whenever I can. This will increase my knowledge and understanding overall. 

“Despite the challenges, some of my proudest moments have been when I use my knowledge to contribute to site meetings. This has helped build my confidence significantly.” 

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships and skills development have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. For Fredy, the experience has been transformative.  

He adds:“I’m really proud to be working on such an important structure. It’s a key access point to the city centre for the people of Hull, so its repair will help the whole community. 

“My hopes for the future are to utilise the knowledge and skills I have picked up from my peers and academic work to better my career and progress my route to becoming a qualified quantity surveyor.” 

Summing up his experience so far in three words, Fredy said “enhancing, supportive, and most of all enjoyable.” 

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see people like Fredy developing their careers through apprenticeships and making such a positive impact on the city’s infrastructure. 

“The work Fredy and Esh Construction continue to deliver on behalf of the council ensures we repair Drypool Bridge to the highest standard, keeping Hull moving for future generations.” 

For more information on the Drypool Bridge repair scheme, visit Programmes – Bridges – Travel Hull