Choosing to study Bricklaying means building strong foundations for a future career in the trade. You’ll gain a clear understanding of health and safety on a building site, learn what’s expected of you as a Bricklayer, and develop practical skills in our on-site, purpose-built workshop.
We recently caught up with some of our Level 2 Bricklaying students to find out why they chose to study Bricklaying, what they are looking forward to on their course and what they have learnt during their first few terms.
Logan’s story
Logan is confident he wants to become a Bricklayer and hopes the experience during his course will lead to employment. Being able to concentrate on just one subject means he’s focused on developing practical skills he’ll use later in life.
Why did you choose Bricklaying?
I chose Bricklaying because it’s a good subject and I am surrounded by people who are similar to me. Bricklaying is one of those jobs where you can have a laugh as well as getting the job done.
Had you done Bricklaying before starting College?
No, I’d never done Bricklaying before. I laid my first brick in class in September. At first it didn’t look great, but as time’s gone on it’s getting better and better. I can already see the progress I’ve made.
How does College compare to school?
It’s great, we get more breaks, the timetable works better for me, and I’d rather focus on the subjects I’ve chosen than doing everything. At College you can really focus on a skill you’ll use in the future.
What’s been your favourite part of the course so far?
Being able to lay a wall! It’s cool to say I’ve built a wall myself. I’ve also met new people who I now call good friends.
Can you see Bricklaying as a future career?
Yeah, 100%. I know it’s early days, but I can definitely see myself becoming a Bricklayer. Hopefully I’ll get work experience while I’m here and that could lead to a job.
Callum’s story
Callum chose Bricklaying after discovering his interest in the trade through work experience. After laying his first brick while still at school, he knew it was something he wanted to pursue further. Now studying Bricklaying at College, Callum is building his skills and plans for a future career in the industry.
Why did you choose Bricklaying?
I did Bricklaying for work experience at school and really enjoyed it. That was the first time I had ever laid a brick, and now I do it every day on my course.
How does College compare to your work experience?
During my work experience, I didn’t really know anything about Bricklaying, so I was mostly doing ‘muck making’ and things like that. At College, I’m learning the skills to lay my own wall. It is really nice to work with my mates too, we have built a few walls together which has been great.
What do you enjoy most about College life?
I like that I can focus all my time on Bricklaying instead of loads of different subjects. I’m also doing my GSCE English too, so I’ll have that qualification as well, which will help me in the future.
I enjoy spending time in the Student Centre, especially playing on the pool table. College feels more relaxed and less crowded, meaning the lecturers have time to give 1:1 support during lessons.
What’s been your favourite part of the course so far?
My favourite part has been learning how to properly lay a brick and make sure it’s all level. It’s good knowing how to do it the right way.
Can you see Bricklaying as a future career?
Yeah, I can definitely see it as a career in the future. I’d like to have my own company one day.
Finley’s story
Finley was drawn to Bricklaying because he wanted to learn a trade and thought Bricklaying looked like fun. As a practical learner, he liked the idea that he would lay a Brick during his first few weeks at College.
Finley told us: “At College there’s a lot more freedom and it’s a lot more relaxed and chilled out. It’s not as stressful as school as you focus on one specialised subject.”
Why did you choose Bricklaying?
I chose Bricklaying because it seemed fun and quick to learn. I didn’t really want something that felt too complicated at the start, and Bricklaying felt like something I could get into straight away.
How is College different from school?
There’s a lot more freedom and it’s much more relaxed and chilled out. It’s not as stressful because you’re focusing on one subject instead of lots of different ones, which makes it easier to enjoy learning.
What are your lecturers like?
The lecturers are really supportive here. There’s more of a mutual respect between us and the lecturers, which makes a big difference when you’re learning something hands-on.
What do you enjoy about College life?
I like the freedom we have. During our breaks we can leave the site and go into the town if we want to. We also have the Student Centre which is definitely a perk of College, me and my mates always head there to play pool during our breaks.
Can you see Bricklaying as a future career?
Yeah, I can see myself being a Bricklayer in the future. I’m just building up my skills whilst I am here ready to get a job after College.
If you would like to join a College that cares about you and supporting you to reaching your goals, then EKC Sheppey College is the place. Join us at our next Open Day to explore your options.