Careers in construction case study - Apprentice Bricklayer

While I was working with a local builder I had made the decision that I would have to go to college to get a qualification in a career of bricklaying. I started at Leeds College of Building in September 2006. I had passed my first year and was starting my second year the following September. Half way through my second year I made the decision to leave the company to gain more experience and develop my skills further.

Through a friend I heard about Lovell Partnerships and there apprenticeships scheme and the opportunities they had to offer. I had written to them explaining my situation and give them a copy of my C.V. A few days later Sharon Tyer the regional training manager called me for an interview. The interview took place a few days later with Sharon; I was then given the opportunity to continue my college course with Lovell Partnerships as an apprentice bricklayer. I was then contracted to finish my course at college this would include doing the optional third year. After I had completed my second year with Lovell Partnerships, I decided to continue my apprentice into my third year to develop my skills and broaden my knowledge.

Lovell Partnerships gave me the support I needed to complete my third year. Throughout my apprentice as a bricklayer I was given hands on experience which helped me build confidence, self belief and trowel techniques. I was then equipped to carryout the job to the highest standard possible.

My third year was coming to an end which led to the final year exam. I had to put a lot of time and preparation to gain the results I wanted. When I received my results I was pleased to pass with a credit and inform Sharon.

I was coming to the end of my contract with Lovell Partnerships and I had just had a review with Sharon. We had a discussion about the management trainee courses available which Lovell Partnerships had to offer, I heard about these when on site from colleagues. I realised that this would be a great opportunity for me and I had to take it. Sharon had put everything in position following the correct procedure with an application form and an interview. In the interview I just had to show Sharon Tyer and Kevin Smith that I had the potential to succeed as a management trainee. I received a phone call from Sharon with some good news offering me a place as a management trainee.

Now I’m three months in to my management trainee course and currently working in the Development department. I have also started back at Leeds College of building studying for my B-Tec national award in construction. I am enjoying the course so far and continue to work hard to be the best I can possible be.

If I wouldn’t of chosen Lovell Partnerships I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in now, I would be more than likely still bricklaying for another company and I wouldn’t have had as much support and opportunities that Lovell Partnerships have provided me. With the system that Lovell Partnerships provide it helps you to gain knowledge in many different departments and I don’t think that there are many companies that have the level of commitment and service to apprentices than Lovell.