Hull welcomes its first “real-life” bricklaying apprenticeship Training Hub

A new apprenticeship Training Hub in Bransholme which will deliver the next generation of skilled house builders in the North of England has been unveiled by NHBC, the UK’s leading new home warranty and insurance provider.

The NHBC Training Hub, which officially opened on Thursday 12 October 2023, is in partnership with EN:Able Futures, a flexi-job apprenticeship provider and part of Efficiency North Holdings.

Speaking at the opening, NHBC CEO, Steve Wood said: “Bricklaying is at the heart of housebuilding and a hugely important skill. An ageing workforce means we must find ways to encourage more people to come into housebuilding, with bricklaying being an excellent pathway into a rewarding and well-paid career. 

“NHBC’s apprenticeships are for everyone and we’re delighted to see people from all backgrounds coming through, including school leavers, career changers and women wanting to work in house building. It’s never too late to learn a new skill!”

Since becoming a registered apprenticeship provider in 2020, around 400 people have progressed through NHBC’s bricklaying and construction site supervisor programmes. The courses have been designed with input from across the industry to make sure they meet the needs of employers and employees alike.

Alice Clay, 18, from Patrington, Hull, was the first female to recently gain her level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship with a Distinction at an NHBC Training Hub. She said she enjoyed it as an alternative to the more traditional college option.

At today’s opening, Alice who is employed by Keepmoat said: “I knew I wanted a practical job, so the NHBC apprenticeship training programme was perfect. There’s a lot to learn but the NHBC Apprenticeship Training Hub means I can learn each part and apply it immediately back on site.

“I’ve not been treated any differently just because I’m a female bricklayer. It hasn’t made a difference or affected me in any way – why should it? I’d say to any girl leaving school or woman looking to change career - go for it!”

The NHBC Apprenticeship Training Hub based in Wawne Road is the fourth dedicated training facility by the insurance and warranty provider who are training the next generation of housebuilders along with its other hubs based in Tamworth, Newcastle and Cambridge. Today’s opening strengthens NHBC’s core purpose of raising house building standards by championing high-quality homes.

Lee Parkinson, chief executive of Efficiency North said: “As an organisation, we are continually striving to provide better opportunities for the North of England, and the partnership we have established with the NHBC Training Hub is pivotal to our offering.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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