Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means
Leeds-based mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider G&H has opened applications for its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering both on-site and office-based roles. This year, there are several apprenticeship opportunities available in electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), service and maintenance, engineering, and building services disciplines. Apprentices joining the
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming
With competency under the spotlight, it is important that all construction professionals have easy access to high quality educational opportunities. Siderise Academy is a new online learning platform designed to help the industry build its understanding of passive fire protection and acoustics in the built environment. Featuring RIBA-certified CPDs and
In celebration of National Careers Week (3-8 March) and International Women’s Day (8 March), Coventry native Izzy Ward, 19, is paving the way for young women in construction as she excels in her degree apprenticeship at Mace. Now in her second year of studying Construction Management at the University College
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for
As National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February) approaches, independent housebuilder Dandara is highlighting a range of trainee schemes for those interested in a career in the housebuilding industry. This initiative is part of Dandara’s ongoing commitment to helping the UK close its skills gap and inspire the next generation. While the
Grayson is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Oaklands College for the inaugural Masonry Mentors 2025 event, a groundbreaking bricklaying pilot designed to inspire and develop the next generation of construction talent. Co-developed by Grayson and Oaklands College, the concept was conceived by FE legend Bob Noseda, with support from
Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing ambitions. The construction industry has been facing significant challenges due to ongoing skills shortages, which have impacted the speed and scale at which projects can be delivered. “An investment of this scale into construction training and recruitment is not just a step in the right direction, but also a long-term commitment to the future of the industry. “Equipping the next generation with the right tools, training, and opportunities will help address critical gaps in the workforce, strengthen the supply chain, and support the industry in meeting ambitious build targets with greater confidence and resilience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the summer holidays. There are 30 places on this year’s programme and to qualify, undergraduates must live, or study, in the Midlands. All placements will begin in July and include opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in Birmingham, and North and South Warwickshire. Placements are open to candidates studying a broad range of subjects, with opportunities in the following business areas: Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for talented undergraduates who want to get a head start in their career and play a part in building Britain’s new railway. “Prioritising places for those who live locally, or study in the region, helps to retain local talent and for those who excel, the summer programme has led to long-term careers on HS2.” BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme in 2022 and has provided paid work placements to 30 students every year thereafter. Placements allow undergraduates to put the theoretical element of their degree into practice and can be a real opportunity for candidates to shine. In previous years, stand-out students have gone on to secure full-time employment with BBV paying the remainder of their university fees so they could continue their studies whilst working. Naomi Bates, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our summer placement programme is a great way for university students to earn money and learn new skills which are relevant to their future careers. “There are a limited number of places available for students who live or study in the Midlands, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to grab this opportunity with both hands, as soon as possible.” Expressions of interest for the 2025 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places. 22 year-old Aniqa Malik from Bordesley Green, Birmingham joined the 2022 summer programme while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. During the eight-week course, Aniqa was exposed to a range of work areas but especially enjoyed her time with the design team. Subsequently, Aniqa decided to stay on the project and successfully gained a place as a graduate design coordinator, based at HS2’s Delta Junction. Aniqa said: “My summer placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI back in 2022 was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to hone my technical abilities, collaborate with professionals in the field, and gain a true understanding of the scope and significance of the HS2 project. “My decision to return as a full-time employee was made simple by the encouraging atmosphere and growth prospects. Anyone wishing to expand their professional network, get practical experience, and be a part of something truly special should consider this placement.” For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, visit the HS2 jobs board and search ‘summer placement’. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 4th April 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means investing not only in the next generation of engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters, as the Chancellor highlights, but also in upskilling the existing workforce. We are keen to learn more about how the £600 million in skills funding will be distributed and hope it presents opportunities for partnerships with organisations like ours to help train the skilled workers we need. The focus on skills boot camps is promising, particularly as it aligns with our own goals of reskilling the workforce to adopt new construction techniques and materials. Additionally, the emphasis on foundation apprenticeships is encouraging, as we are already collaborating with organisations across the sector to help them utilise the apprenticeship levy to address the skills gap. However, challenges remain – particularly the upcoming National Insurance increase, which could dampen the appetite for apprenticeships. We hope this announcement signals a broader commitment to addressing such barriers, ensuring we are in a strong position by 2029. Together, we can build a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering not only the 1.5 million homes needed in this Parliament, but also the crucial housing projects and upgrades that will follow. Tom Arey is director at PfP Thrive, an organisation delivering comprehensive bespoke training programmes for the UK housing and construction sectors, as well as compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships and leadership development to meet evolving workforce needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds-based mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider G&H has opened applications for its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering both on-site and office-based roles. This year, there are several apprenticeship opportunities available in electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), service and maintenance, engineering, and building services disciplines. Apprentices joining the team in August 2025 will become full-time employees, gaining hands-on experience, academic qualifications, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and a competitive salary. Applications are welcome from post-A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent school and college leavers. The three-year apprenticeship scheme is delivered in partnership with further education establishments, including Leeds College of Building and Bradford College, and will lead to an industry-recognised City & Guilds qualification. Paul Churchill, Development Manager at G&H, said: “We’re excited to launch our 2025 apprenticeship scheme, which is designed to develop and nurture our future workforce. We’re looking for candidates who are hardworking, reliable, eager to learn, and passionate about the construction sector. “For over 25 years, we have offered a comprehensive apprenticeship programme designed to attract top talent and provide young people with valuable real-world experience, with many of our alumni having gone on to forge successful careers at G&H.” Charlie Barton, first year Maintenance Apprentice at G&H said: “Applying for the G&H apprenticeship scheme was the best decision I ever made. I’m gaining valuable on-the-job training, experiencing the working world firsthand, and attending college, where I’ll earn my Level 3 NVQ in Servicing and Maintenance upon completion. For me, an apprenticeship has been a far better pathway than just going to college, and I would highly recommend it to anyone leaving school and eager to start their career.” G&H has been delivering apprenticeships since 1999, with many former apprentices now in senior roles. Chair of the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Anthony Impey, recently visited G&H and praised the “inspiring work that G&H is doing to invest in the skills needed to drive the growth and productivity of their business.” Apprenticeships on offer include two Level 3 Electrical roles, Level 3 HVAC, and Level 3 Plumbing, all based in the north, and a Level 3 Service and Maintenance role in the south. All applicants must be at least 18-years-old by August 2025. GCSE grade four or above in Maths and English are desirable but not essential, as is a driving license. Additionally, there are two Level 4 Project Manager apprenticeship roles. Applicants must be at least 16-years-old by August 2025, be able to travel to the Pudsey-based head office, and hold five GCSEs graded four to nine, including English, Maths, and Science. Candidates with a BTEC Extended Diploma, Level 3 advanced apprenticeship, or one to two A-levels, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a fast-track route to completion. The deadline for applications is 28 March, with a recruitment day scheduled for April and an August 2025 start. CVs should be sent to katie.hardisty@wearegandh.com Established in 1998, G&H is a leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong experienced team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder. Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March. In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988. She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician? “Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’ “I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.” Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment. She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’ “Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.” Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’ “But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’. Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.” After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT. She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.” The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.” And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.” SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry. “Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.” SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path. “As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With competency under the spotlight, it is important that all construction professionals have easy access to high quality educational opportunities. Siderise Academy is a new online learning platform designed to help the industry build its understanding of passive fire protection and acoustics in the built environment. Featuring RIBA-certified CPDs and ASFP-verified modules, it can support the creation of safe, comfortable and compliant buildings designed to last. Created by learning and technical experts at the global manufacturer of high-performance passive fire protection, acoustic and insulation solutions, Siderise Academy offers a range of on-demand courses, webinars and CPD modules that are accessible on any device with an internet connection. These are supported with reading materials and interactive quizzes and assessments designed to test your knowledge and reinforce your learning. With RIBA-certified CPDs and passive fire protection modules verified by the ASFP, the content aligns with high industry standards and can be used as part of the ASFP Competency Pathway. Once a course or webinar is completed, users can download a certificate of completion, enabling them to document their learning and provide evidence that they are taking steps to maintain their competence through continuous learning and development. Elan Penn, Training Manager at Siderise, spoke of the significance of the new platform: “Launching the Siderise Academy marks a key milestone in our mission to ‘Go Beyond, contributing to safer buildings.’ Both passive fire protection and acoustics are incredibly complex areas of construction and it is important that industry professionals have the right background knowledge to ensure the approaches and solutions they are using are the best practice for their projects, supporting both safety and regulatory compliance. Through this platform, we hope to better share the knowledge and experience of our technical experts, with even more valuable courses and modules set to be released over the coming year.” Siderise Academy has launched with three foundational courses and insightful webinars, enabling you to start your journey to a better understanding of passive fire protection and acoustics from today. Sign up for your free account at https://sideriseacademy.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In celebration of National Careers Week (3-8 March) and International Women’s Day (8 March), Coventry native Izzy Ward, 19, is paving the way for young women in construction as she excels in her degree apprenticeship at Mace. Now in her second year of studying Construction Management at the University College of Estate Management (UCEM), Izzy is proving that hands-on experience combined with academic learning is a powerful formula for success. Izzy began her apprenticeship in September 2023, drawn to the opportunity to gain both practical experience and currently works as an Assistant Project Manager on a major strategic project, known as The Connect Programme at The University of Warwick. The unprecedented investment by the University will focus on the Social Sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the latter of which will form the first phase of the programme. In this role, Izzy is deeply involved in the enabling works as part of the STEM Connect project which will see new state-of-the art facilities delivered on campus. She will soon be engaged in the technical design activities. Her responsibilities include stakeholder and client management, contract reviews, procurement, tendering and planning workshops. Explaining her decision to undertake an apprenticeship and reflecting on her experience so far, Izzy said: “I didn’t want to move away from home but also gaining experience and a degree together seemed like the best and most valuable route for me. Being in meetings and absorbing conversations has been invaluable. I’m constantly learning by doing. “The construction degree provides a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory aspects of the industry, which is essential for planning and ensuring safety on-site and I know the skills I’m building are transferable and will serve me well throughout my career.” Despite entering a field where women traditionally remain underrepresented, Izzy has found support and encouragement, including through Mace’s ‘Women at Mace’ network and her team. She said: “It’s not unusual to see women on construction sites nowadays, and I’ve never been treated differently. It’s great to see more women in larger projects like this, and the network makes me feel supported.” Balancing her apprenticeship is no small feat. Izzy spends four days on-site and dedicates Fridays to her degree work, but she sees this as a tremendous advantage. Looking to the future, Izzy’s goal is to become a project manager and eventually gain chartered status. Speaking on apprenticeships in construction, she encourages others to explore them as a viable and rewarding pathway. She added: “There’s so much work going on in construction, and it’s a great industry to be part of. My advice is to get involved – there are no barriers. Speak to people in the industry, build your network and don’t be afraid to take the apprenticeship route.” Izzy’s story aligns with the themes of National Careers Week and International Women’s Day, demonstrating the power of apprenticeships to foster diverse talent and create opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. She hopes her journey will inspire others to consider construction and apprenticeships as a springboard for success. Andy Grove, Associate Director at Mace, said: “Izzy’s journey highlights the incredible opportunities available through apprenticeships in the construction industry. At Mace, we are committed to nurturing talent and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to see Izzy breaking barriers and excelling in her role on such an impactful project.” Mark Williams, Academic Director of STEM Connect at The University of Warwick, added: “We are excited to see Izzy develop her career and gain as much knowledge and valuable experience as possible on a major strategic project like the STEM Connect Programme. Apprentices like Izzy demonstrate the vital role young talent plays in shaping the future of construction and infrastructure development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for construction-focused apprenticeship roles within its delivery and support teams. The opportunities include trainee roles in civil engineering, commercial, health and safety, environment and business administration. The company has already supported over 480 apprentices throughout its supply chain, working on construction sites and in office-based locations across a 90-kilometre section of the HS2 route. This covers an area from Warwickshire, into Birmingham and up to Staffordshire. An increasing number of apprentices are joining BBV via the T Level route, which offers an alternative to A Levels and focuses on vocational skills to help students into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further study. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement lasting for at least 45 days. A total of 30 students have been offered apprenticeships with BBV on board HS2 after completing their T Levels since they were first introduced in 2020. The business initially established a partnership with Walsall College and works with an increasing number of West Midlands-based higher education institutions to upskill and develop local talent. Among those to join the HS2 project with BBV as an apprentice civil engineer is Charlotte Gibberson, 19, from Sutton Coldfield. Charlotte’s interest in construction stems from childhood, with a T Level course in design, planning and surveying at Walsall College enabling her to explore this passion within an academic environment. Charlotte said: “This HS2 project is extremely dynamic and has immense potential for both professional and personal development. The exposure of working on one of the largest projects in Europe will not only assist with networking but will provide great insight into the various opportunities available on the project. “The prospect of being able to work in a role that will allow me to contribute to a bigger picture and create a sustained legacy for future generations gave me the confidence to pursue a role as a civil engineer.” After gaining his T Level qualifications, 22-year-old Miles Kenshole, also from Sutton Coldfield, embarked on a Level 3 health and safety apprenticeship which he successfully passed in 2024. Now a Health and Safety Advisor, his role involves travelling to 35 different HS2 sites to conduct inspections. Miles said: “I believe the guidance and support provided to me as a T Level student has been essential to my success in gaining a full-time role in the industry. “My advice for anyone looking to join BBV and work on HS2, especially if you are doing a placement, would be to approach the works with an open mind. I would advise anyone on joining this project. There are so many opportunities available, and it is a fantastic career path.” More than 1,800 people have already secured an apprenticeship on the high-speed rail project, with 31,000 people currently working on the programme in total between London and the West Midlands. The project is firmly on track to meet a target of generating at least 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Earlier this week, HS2 announced that it is searching for a total of 40 new apprentices based in HS2 offices and sites in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes and across its wider supply chain to help support Britain’s high-speed railway. Julie Venn-Morton, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the West Midlands, said: “Together with our construction and supply chain partners, HS2 is bringing thousands of new people into the workforce, increasing skills and helping to underpin the construction industry for years to come. “As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week and highlights how vital apprenticeships are within any workplace, we’re pleased to see BBV recruiting even more apprentices and showcasing the importance of T Levels. T Levels are a great alternative to more traditional routes into an apprenticeship and provide an ideal stepping stone into the construction industry.” Balfour Beatty VINCI’s 2025 apprentice opportunities will be advertised on www.balfourbeattyvinci.com and on Apprentices and graduates – HS2 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February) approaches, independent housebuilder Dandara is highlighting a range of trainee schemes for those interested in a career in the housebuilding industry. This initiative is part of Dandara’s ongoing commitment to helping the UK close its skills gap and inspire the next generation. While the UK government has planned to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years[1], the latest Construction Skills Network report forecasts that there is a need for 251,500 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet the anticipated levels of work[2]. Amid concerns regarding a lack of trained professionals to help reach the target, Dandara has established a trainee programme to guarantee newcomers the proper training and qualifications needed for the future. Dandara’s trainee scheme include an initial three-year programme designed to deliver skills and qualification-based experience, rotating between all departments. Provided a trainee stays with Dandara two years after completing their traineeship, their tuition and qualifications costs will be taken care of as they continue to study and work on the job. Alison Murphy, Learning & Development Manager at Dandara, commented: “The skills gap is a major challenge we face as a housebuilder. The boom for housing and Government ambition to build 1.5 million homes is there, but the most crucial element driving the whole project is missing – the workforce to deliver these ambitions. “As National Apprenticeship Week beckons, we want to support those trying to plug this skills gap by offering schemes such as our management programme. The scheme is designed for anyone looking to leave education right through to those looking to change careers. Investment into people and training the next generation is the key to unlocking the UK’s housing targets and we are here to help anyone who is passionate to kickstart their career. Creating opportunities for people to bring their skills, enthusiasm and passion to the industry encompasses the ethos behind our trainee schemes, and we equip all our newcomers with quality training for a career at Dandara.” Harry Collins, an apprentice on Dandara’s trainee management scheme, adds: “Each department has a designated mentor overseeing my activities, and Dandara has structured the programme exceptionally well. Although moving between departments might seem stressful, the process has been seamless so far, and the apprenticeship has provided me with valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the company. The range of experience and the opportunity to fully immerse myself in different departments have given me a much clearer idea of the housebuilding industry, and I am looking forward to seeing what the next few years have in store.” To find out more about Dandara’s trainee schemes, please visit https://careers.dandara.com/page/traineeschemes or call 01908 036 284 [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-homes-fact-sheet-1-the-need-for-homes/fact-sheet-1-the-need-for-homes [2] https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grayson is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Oaklands College for the inaugural Masonry Mentors 2025 event, a groundbreaking bricklaying pilot designed to inspire and develop the next generation of construction talent. Co-developed by Grayson and Oaklands College, the concept was conceived by FE legend Bob Noseda, with support from brickwork training icon Peter Roberts and Construction Curriculum Manager, Andy Rosser. The event is set to take place on Monday 10th February 2025 at Oaklands College in Hertfordshire, fittingly coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week 2025. Pairing full-time students with experienced bricklayer mentors from some of the UK’s leading brickwork subcontractors, teams will participate in a 6-hour challenge, with each member completing 50% of the task. Afterward, they will answer a series of trade-related questions, testing both their practical and theoretical knowledge. Masonry Mentors aims to inspire and equip young apprentices with the skills, confidence and passion to succeed in the industry, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector’s workforce. Kevin Jagg, Grayson’s Operations Director, says: “We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with Oaklands College to lead the first Masonry Mentors event. It not only showcases the incredible talent within our industry but also highlights the importance of mentorship and partnership in shaping the future of bricklaying. Ensuring vital skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation, events like this are crucial in addressing the skills shortage and building a strong, sustainable future for the construction sector.” Bob Noseda, Sector Skills Advisor, adds: “From the moment I approached Tony and Kevin, Grayson has been phenomenal. Masonry Mentors is a new competition concept that pairs full-time students and qualified bricklayers, bringing education and industry together to address the skills shortage.” By investing in initiatives like Masonry Mentors, Grayson is playing an integral role in fostering excellence within the sector and helping to bridge the gap between education and real-world experience. Masonry Mentors 2025 marks the exciting start of what Bob Noseda envisions as a lasting tradition, one that will continually bring together apprentices and experienced time-served tradespeople in a fun, dynamic and educational environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
