Posted on 5 July
Leeds College of Building (LCB) students have completed a programme designed to support and inspire the next generation of bricklayers.
The collaborative initiative was delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction and Willmott Dixon, alongside their supply chain partners at Henley Stone.
Made possible through the SPACE Community Legacy Programme, the weeklong course combined live site visits with practical, skills-based learning across two SCAPE-procured projects.
Following an earlier visit to Willmott Dixon’s Hough Top project, students also attended Morgan Sindall Construction’s Middlecross Assisted Living care home scheme where they experienced first-hand high-quality brickwork on a live site.
Chris Walker, Project Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, leading the delivery of Middlecross Care Homes, said:
“We know how important it is for students to see how what they’re learning in the classroom translates into a live construction environment.
“Giving them the opportunity to step onto site, speak to our teams and experience the pace and quality of work first-hand helps bring those skills to life and provides a much clearer picture of what a career in construction can look like.”
Students were set a practical challenge to complete during the week, working to a live brief to design and construct brickwork panels within a set timeframe.
Throughout the process, they were supported by experienced industry professionals, gaining valuable insight into trade techniques and quality control processes.
The week culminated in students completing their projects and showcasing their work for assessment by subcontractor supervisors from Marlborough and Henley.
A high standard of work was achieved, with students receiving positive feedback alongside additional support and career guidance.
Declan Mahoney, LCB Employability Officer for Construction Crafts, said:
“It is brilliant for our leaners to gain valuable experience from engaging with the bestindustry professionals their trade has to offer, as well as a chance for them to participate in a competition that gives them the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have learned from their tutors this year.”
LCB student Ryan Johnson was named the overall winner of the weeks practical challenge, receiving a specialist trowel.
Beth Carter, Business Systems Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
“We have worked closely with LCB for the last 30 years and we’re always proud to support the next generation of bricklayers. Their students excelled themselves and produced some exceptional work in the time frames given, they are an asset to the college.”
Runners-up Ryan Milner, Ish Saine and Alfie Dougan were each awarded tool bags, while all participating students received a new spirit level in recognition of their involvement.
Reflecting on his week, Ryan Johnson said:
“I really enjoyed it, had a lot of fun building it to the spec, and I feel happy with how it turned out with the finished product. I was really excited to come into college each day to work on it.”
Want to be a part of programmes like this one? Then come find an LCB course that works for you right here.
