Success Stories: Hallum Bray, Level 3 Bricklaying Apprentice

Hallum Bray, Bricklaying Level 3 apprentice, has just completed a really complex and advanced piece of brickwork incorporating acute and obtuse angles, English and Flemish walls with a stone arch. On completing the work, we were keen to catch up with Hallum to find out more about him and why he chose brick…

Two years ago Hallum left school knowing exactly what career path he wanted to take. Coming from a family where both his stepdad and brother are bricklayers, he decided that he would like to join the family business and work at KCC Builders. Hallum was inspired by his older brother who had completed his apprenticeship with Skills Group, he wanted to gain the necessary industry qualifications whilst working in the family business.

Hallum said “I enjoy the challenges of learning new skills and techniques, both on-site and in the construction centre at Skills Group. I have found each environment very different in terms of learning, on-site can be very fast paced with a lot of hands-on experience, at Skills Group I am able to take a bit more time to focus on my technique and learn more intricate work from my tutor, Martin. It hasn’t always been easy but I am very proud of my achievements“

Martin Timblin, Construction Trainer at Skills Group has been Hallum’s Assessor for the past 2 years and has watched him go from strength to strength. “Hallum has been a very conscientious learner throughout his time here and has been a credit to the team. He works well individually and also in a group and always completes his work on time. I have had excellent feedback from his peers on site and he has become a very valued member of their team through his hard work and dedication. I believe he has the drive and qualities to develop into a supervisory or managerial position in the future.”

Hallam wants to stay working at KCC once he completes his apprenticeship so he can gain more experience but is already thinking further ahead. “I would love to move to Australia in the future and run my own bricklaying business.”

We wish Hallum the very best of luck in pursuing his dream!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School