February Spotlight: Internships

Welcome to the February edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

It’s an exciting and pivotal moment for our industry, and for Blakely Brown.

From major workforce expansion across North America’s building trades to shifting market backlogs and policy headwinds, the AEC landscape continues to evolve at pace. Against this backdrop of growth and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: talent, infrastructure investment, and strategic expansion are defining the year ahead.

At Blakely Brown, we’re responding in kind, strengthening our international presence with the launch of our new London office, investing in the next generation through high-impact internship opportunities, and closely tracking the workforce and market trends shaping the US AEC space.

In this edition, we explore what industry growth signals mean for engineers and recruiters, share updates on our London expansion, and highlight exciting opportunities to join us during this period of momentum.

With appreciation, The Blakely Brown Team

Internships

Introducing internships to Blakely Brown Miami!

We’re excited to announce an internship opportunity designed for ambitious, driven individuals ready to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

We are currently looking for interns to support our expanding team through to May, as well as taking applicants for summer 2026. This is not a passive, observation-based placement, it’s a front-row seat to the inner workings of a dynamic business, offering real responsibility, measurable impact and direct exposure to senior leadership.

This opportunity is ideally suited to those who are eager to translate academic knowledge into practical experience. We’re looking for individuals who are confident communicators, commercially curious and energised by the idea of contributing to live projects from day one. Interns won’t just observe growth; they’ll help drive it.

Whether you’re looking for a summer internship or open to starting with immediate effect, reach out to antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com to learn more.

Building Trades Expand Despite Policy Headwinds

North America’s Building Trades Unions added 47,198 new members in 2025, on top of a record 88,000 apprentices last year, bringing total apprenticeship enrollment to more than 300,000 over two years. Leadership credits federal infrastructure and energy policy for the growth but warns that withheld funds, project delays, and policy uncertainty are disrupting momentum.

Industry data shows mixed conditions: commercial and industrial backlog has fallen to a four-year low (8 months), while infrastructure remains strongest at 10 months. Despite softer sentiment, most contractors remain cautiously optimistic about near-term sales.

Bottom line: Workforce capacity is expanding, but policy volatility is creating uneven market conditions.

Key Takeaways for Engineers:

1. Infrastructure Leads: Transportation, utilities, and energy projects remain the most stable areas.

2. Long-Term Workforce Investment Is Growing: Expanded apprenticeships signal sustained demand and structured labor pipelines.

3. Expect Timing Volatility: Policy uncertainty may affect project starts and funding flow.

Key Takeaways for Recruiters:

1. Prioritize Infrastructure Talent: Backlog strength suggests near-term hiring stability in this segment.

2. Build Early-Career Pipelines: Apprenticeship growth means training partnerships will matter more.

3. Position Roles Strategically: Acknowledge short-term uncertainty while emphasizing long-term infrastructure demand.

London Office

We’re thrilled to announce that our London office is officially open!

After several exciting weeks spent searching for the perfect space, comparing neighbourhoods, and envisioning what our next chapter in the capital would look like, we’ve found a fantastic new home in Victoria. Nestled right in the heart of London, our new office is just moments from major transport links and surrounded by the energy and opportunity that makes the city so dynamic.

Our new Victoria base will serve as a central hub for our UK team, with new team members joining us next month, as well as for collaborating with clients, and strengthening relationships across London and beyond. Whether you’re an existing partner, a prospective client, or simply curious to learn more about what we do, we’d love to welcome you. If you’re in the area and interested in connecting with a member of the Blakely Brown team, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

And as we grow, so do our opportunities. We’re currently conducting interviews across a range of levels for consultants who are eager to be part of an ambitious, collaborative, and forward-thinking team. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join us during this exciting period of expansion, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV to antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com