1st December 2015
Five trainee bricklayers at Barking & Dagenham College have been offered Apprenticeship contracts by St Albans-based construction company, City Brickwork (UK) Ltd, as part of the company?s largest apprentice recruitment drive to date.
Students hand-picked for Apprenticeship rolesThe students, who are studying for a City & Guilds Diploma in Brickwork Level 2, were hand-picked for a week’s work experience at sites in Enfield, Greenwich and at the Olympic Park in Stratford. The combination of the students’ technical ability and work-ready attitude resulted in Apprenticeship offers for them all.
These trainees will now start at City Brickwork and continue to study for their diplomas at Barking & Dagenham College one day a week.
Postive and professional
Jason Bedford, Construction Director at City Brickwork explained how the selection process worked,
“The College shortlisted the students for us, which was really helpful and saved us a lot of time. I have to say they got it spot on. The week’s work experience trial gave us the opportunity to see the students in action. Every one of them had a positive and professional attitude, they were punctual and ready to work.
“We have worked with Barking & Dagenham College for a few years and their professionalism and responsiveness means they are our preferred Apprenticeship provider. Their industry-standard facilities really do give their students the technical edge.”
Thomas Smith, 17 from Barking added,
“It is great news to be offered an Apprenticeship. The work experience week at City Brickwork was the first time I’d been on a building site, but my supervisor and colleagues all helpful and friendly. I can’t wait to start my first job.”
Partnership working with employersTony Carruthers, Curriculum Manager for Construction at the College added,
“Our partnership working with employers creates opportunities for students to showcase their skills in front of decision makers.
"In addition to top-class employability skills, we also work with students to develop their employability skills – the right attitude, team work, punctuality and so on – which are just as important as technical ability.”
