Mark Benson

Mark Benson is looking for a bricklaying apprentice to join his family business and work on construction projects in and around Plymouth. Mark has three sons, all of which are currently working for the family business. The apprentice will receive full training and support throughout their apprenticeship and be supervised at all times.

Mark is happy to pick the apprentice up from Fore Street, Saltash each morning on his way to work.

The Apprentice’s Role:

The apprentice will be supervised at all times working closely with the employer to learn all aspects of bricklaying.

Work duties will include:

• Safe working practices
• Labouring
• Setting out work areas
• Understanding and Interpreting information
• Preparing mortar by hand
• Using specific tools required for tasks
• Measuring materials and cutting
• Keeping all work areas clean and tidy
• Manual Lifting.

Working Hours: Normal working hours of Monday to Friday with times to be confirmed. However working times may change depending on site location.

Wages: £256 per week, based on a 40 hour week. Any overtime above the 40 hours per week, will be paid at the appropriate national minimum wage depending on age.

Holidays: 28 days holiday entitlement (including bank holidays) will be paid each year, during the course of your apprenticeship.

Mark Benson is an experienced tradesman, who has been working in Plymouth and surrounding areas for a number of years. Providing a high level of service to his customers throughout, Mark predominately works on large building sites.

On completion of your level 2 apprenticeship, an opportunity to apply for a full time post may be offered to the right learner. Alternatively, you could go on to complete your level 3 in bricklaying, or, go on to be self-employed and start your own company.

Skills Required:

• Good practical skills
• Passionate about construction
• Ability to work in an accurate and organised manner
• Awareness of Health and Safety

Personal Qualities:

• The apprentice must be reliable and motivated to work within the construction sector and undertake national recognised qualifications.
• Good communication skills, able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Good time keeping as construction workers are on site early in the morning.
• Physically fit due to the nature of the job.

Prior Qualifications

No formal qualifications are required for the position, however a keen interest in construction and willingness to succeed are essential.

The Apprenticeship in Bricklaying includes:

• Level 2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship
• Functional Skills Maths and English (If GCSE Maths and English are not at Grade C/4 or above)
• CSCS training to be provided.

As part of the apprenticeship programme, attendance is required at our Skills Group training centre for one day per week. All other aspects of the qualification will be delivered on-site by the employer. You will have regular visits every six to eight weeks from your designated Skills Group assessor, who will monitor your progress during your apprenticeship training.

Whilst at the Skills Group training centre, you will learn the necessary skills and gain experience to help you throughout your role. Part of your training will be knowledge and theory based, whilst the rest will be practical. You will develop your hand skills, carry out brick and block work, learn the correct use of specific tools, carry out pointing and learn mortar ratio mixes under the guidance of your assessor. Learning all these additional skills will benefit you on returning to the employer.

As an additional qualification you will also achieve your Emergency First Aid and Health and Safety Certificate, along with Internet Safety and Safeguarding.

As part of your apprenticeship Skills Group will also support you to complete your online CSCS test, which will enable you to apply for your CSCS Card. This shows that you are at the required competent level to carry out site work with the employer.