Student Blogs

Brontë Hogarth

Apprentice Painter and Decorator

Second-year Painting and Decorating Apprentice Brontë Hogarth discusses her passion for her course and why women should enter the construction industry.

Sinéad Clarkson

Quantity Surveyor

Sinéad Clarkson achieved a first-class honours degree in Sports Science but decided to switch industries after taking a work placement at PH Plasterers Ltd. Sinéad impressed the company so much that she was offered a position after completing her degree.

Ciara Szyman

Transport Planner

Former student, Ciara Szyman, is the first-ever Transport Planning Technician Apprentice from Leeds College of Building to progress to a postgraduate degree in the specialism.

Tre Manners-Gatewood

Apprentice Plasterer

Following a successful work trial, a Leeds College of Building student has been offered an apprenticeship with Yeadon-based company FMJ Plastering. Tre (age 17) enrolled on a Level 1 full-time Plastering programme in 2020 before progressing to Level 2. When FMJ Plastering approached the College, Tre was the perfect candidate for an apprenticeship.

Hardeep Lyall - Revisited

Construction & the Built Environment

Back in 2019, former student Hardeep Lyall kindly wrote a blog about his time at Leeds College of Building. Now, aged 23, we caught up with him again to find out how he’s been getting on.

From BTEC to IEng status

Civil Engineering Apprentice

I originally attended Leeds College of Building in 2010 after finishing high school, studying a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering.

I truly never imagined myself to be in the position I am today

Former LCB student studying Architecture

I’m a former student of the Leeds College of Building, currently studying Architecture, Art & Design at the University of Huddersfield.

My journey from a BTEC course to an Apprenticeship

Built Environment Design Apprentice

I am in my second year of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Built Environment Design.

My journey to Apprentice of the Year

Transport & Logistics Apprentice

Five years ago, I fled from Syria to the UK. I enrolled on the Leeds College of Building Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship and am now an apprentice at Arup.

I appeared in the first-ever episode of The Great House Giveaway

Former Level 3 Electrical student

When I started my course at College, it was a bit scary, but I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I have no regrets, I’ve met lots of great people, and love what I do now.

Why I chose an apprenticeship

Degree-Level Apprentice

I always wanted to go to University, but after completing my A Levels, I re-evaluated what I should do next.

My apprenticeship journey

Civil Engineering Apprentice

I completed GCSEs and was six months into my A Levels when I realised they weren’t for me. I started researching Apprenticeships and came across Transport Planning.

We started our own company - Platinum Painters

Painting & Decorating

We decided to redecorate our house when we realised we enjoyed it a lot and we spoke more about doing it for a career.

Former student Robert is working on Toddbrook Reservoir

Project Manager

A major project I worked on was managing the repair of Toddbrook Reservoir which hit the national headlines over the summer!

I started my own Painting & Decorating company

Painting & Decorating

I sacrificed all my weekends to work for family and friends on the side so that I could progress and hone my skills.

How I got into Transport Planning

3rd Year Transport Planning Apprentice

I’m an Apprentice Transport Planning Technician at Suffolk County Council.

My journey to university

BTEC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment

I’ll be the first in my family to go to uni. I think it’s important to dream big, do it for yourself and don’t follow other people.

I graduated in Construction Management thanks to LCB

Construction & the Built Environment

During my time at LCB you made it a safe environment for me to learn and explore, because of that I managed to flourish as a person and as a construction professional - I can’t thank you enough!

An Aspiring Architect

Construction & the Built Environment

I recently returned to thank staff for all that they did for me during my time at Leeds College of Building. The tutoring and advice given affected me greatly and, without doubt, helped shaped my future.

'Shards of Colour' Wall Mural

Painting & Decorating

My tutor asked me to find a colourful image to transfer to a wall which I found on Pinterest.

Volunteering Expedition in Malawi

Civil engineering

The trip is going to be made into a short documentary by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

How I got my apprenticeship

Painting and Decorating

As part of my course I got the opportunity for work experience with Bell Group.