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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	I find that the combination of work and study really suits me

Jamie Banner left Congleton High School with 5 GCSEs in 2001 and, like many, was unsure as to where his future lay. He decided to stay on at the 6th Form and opted for Business Studies, IT and Psychology. However, after a year Jamie found that this route wasn’t right for him.

After leaving the 6th Form, Jamie visited his local Connexions Centre where he was supported to identify possible Apprenticeship options. Jamie initially considered Engineering, but when he was offered the chance to work with Mark Lovatt & Sons as a builder's labourer he decided he would like to work towards an Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.

Jamie was offered a full-time position as an Apprentice Bricklayer. Jamie accepted and was introduced to Total People who assigned him one of their dedicated Training Advisers. He was given an Initial Assessment which identified how the programme could best be structured around his needs and the needs of his employer. “Total People have been really good. They have tailored the programme to suit my needs. My Training Adviser is really supportive and I know I can contact him at any time if I have any problems,” says Jamie.

The more he progressed on his apprenticeship programme the more Jamie enjoyed it. “I find that the combination of work and study really suits me. It’s always challenging which pushes me forward.” Jamie’s hard work and determination is now beginning to pay off. He has now completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in Trowel Occupations and has also won a regional competition to represent the North West in a national Bricklaying competition.

In the future, Jamie would like to own his own building or property development business.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. By starting an Apprenticeship in Bricklaying you begin the first step to a challenging and rewarding career. You should be enthusiastic, hard working, practically minded and enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather. Working as part of a team is essential, as is being committed and dedicated to both work and your Apprenticeship.

The Advanced Apprenticeship is available to you once you have completed your Apprenticeship. These are identical in structure to the Apprenticeship; however learning is at Level 3 which is equivalent to ‘A’ Level standard.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Bricklaying Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed as an Apprentice Bricklayer before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your learning plan.

Your training will require you to attend college for one day a week. Your employer will give you time off to attend your classes and meet with your Training Adviser.

How long will it take?

The time taken to complete your NVQ depends upon you; how quickly you want to do it. However it normally takes around 12 months to complete.

The Technical Certificate is delivered at a college, therefore you will tend to start in September and finish at around May / June time.

The other element of your Apprenticeship, Key Skills, takes around 12 months to complete, but again is dependant upon you!

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Bricklaying Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences of working on a site. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent in the different skills of a bricklayer. Your work will be assessed on site.

The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs; however learning is focussed around Bricklaying; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of a job for a client and then learn the best way to make your proposal to a prospective client!

 

Further Progression

Qualifying as a Bricklayer will open many doors to you. You will be able to show your employer that, along with being qualified, you have also shown commitment, dedication and professionalism. This could lead to promotion, higher rates of pay, managerial opportunities or a great starting point to a different career in the construction industry such as surveyor or architect.

Many apprentices decide to progress their education through professional qualifications like ONCs, HNCs, and even degrees. Alternatively you could decide to set up your own business, or take the step to work abroad!

 

 

 

 

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