Meet Josh Bramall, our bricklaying apprentice who joined Mike Etheridge Construction as a bricklaying apprentice in September 2022 and has since then represented Gloucestershire College in the prestigious SkillBuild competition, achieved Distinction in his End Point Assessment and became a South West finalist in the National Apprenticeships and Skills Awards.
The Level 2 Bricklaying Apprenticeship offers an excellent entry point into the industry, providing essential trade skills through hands-on experience. Apprentices learn directly from experienced professionals, building the knowledge and skills needed to become fully proficient in the trade.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship in bricklaying?
I chose to apply for a bricklaying apprenticeship after completing sixth form because after my GCSEs I was unsure of what I wanted to do. During sixth form, I worked with my dad helping him with brick walls and afterwards, I wanted to do an apprenticeship in bricklaying, so I researched apprenticeships.
What is your day-to-day role as a bricklaying apprentice?
At the start of my apprenticeship, my role was to learn through watching, listening and most importantly giving everything a go and making sure to ask many questions. Later in my apprenticeship, I worked independently and contributed to my team while keeping to my responsibility that my work was correct and tidy.
What skills has your apprenticeship helped you develop?
Since the start of my apprenticeship, I have learnt how to communicate and work as a team. These skills help me contribute to my team to meet deadlines, such as when we need to complete a wall plate lift in time ready for when the crane is booked in.
My apprenticeship has affected me positively in many ways. It has taught me good timekeeping and punctuality. Most importantly I have learnt to have pride in my work, which motivates me even more. These skills have helped with my ambitions of becoming a bricklayer as they have given me confidence and enjoyment in my work.
What are you most proud of during your time as an apprentice?
I represented Gloucestershire College in the SkillBuild regional qualifiers 2024 and I felt very proud about it. To get to the qualifiers it took a lot of work, on-site and at home, it was important to be the best version of myself to be able to represent the college and my employer.
Another proud moment is being recognised as the regional finalist in the National Apprenticeships and Skills Awards. It made all the hard work feel worthwhile.
What are your plans after you complete your apprenticeship?
In the future, I want to develop my team-building skills and learn how to lead. Then I want to take what I learnt from that to start my own company and provide work for others.
Neil Haynes, Assessor in Bricklaying and Groundworks at Gloucestershire College said, Josh was a model student throughout his apprenticeship, representing both himself and the college brilliantly at SkillBuild in June. Following this, he completed his EPA with an overall distinction. I had no doubt that Josh would be an outstanding candidate for the National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards, and we worked together on his nomination. Here at GC, we are all incredibly proud of Josh for reaching the regional finals and wish him the very best in the next stage of the competition and his career.”
Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College.
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