The construction materials supplier, Grayson, has become a supporter of the Association of Brickwork Contractors
The Association of Brickwork Contractors provides on-site training and NVQ accreditation for brickwork professionals.
The Association of Brickwork Contractors has recognised the high drop-out rate among diploma students and a low conversion rate from colleges to the industry (only three in ten students).
To combat this, they will look to establish better brickwork colleges and improve the approval standards and educational quality.
Grayson will provide teaching and supplies
Grayson is one of the largest suppliers of masonry supplies in the UK, and the company places great importance on supplying modern tools to training centres. T
his initiative is a chance for aspiring bricklayers the gain hands-on experience with the materials commonly used on construction sites.
In addition to supporting The Association of Brickwork Contractors Assessment Centre, Grayson will work with the NHBC to educate apprentices on sustainable and innovative equipment. Grayson will provide training hubs with the necessary materials and tools needed for effective learning.
The government’s recent decision to add bricklayers to the Shortage Occupation List highlights the concerning nationwide issue, and we must work on upskilling and empowering young talent whilst ensuring the trade appeals to the younger generation,” said Tony Higson, managing director at Grayson.
“We are proud to be supporting the ABC in its mission to deliver top-quality brick training in the UK. The aim is to maintain and improve the quality of tradesmanship through unique learning interventions, honing in on the latest innovations and construction technologies. Onsite, there’s a growing feeling that the level of workmanship has not necessarily kept pace with the evolution of new products and brick-laying techniques,” he continued.
The Association of Brickwork Contractors continues to strengthen its team
In addition to Grayson, The Association of Brickwork Contractors has welcomed four new full members in 2023. These are Marshall Errock Construction, Kinlan Brickwork, Callan Construction, and AVV Solutions.
These companies will focus on apprenticeships, quality, safety, and community engagement to strengthen the bricklaying sector.
“1,600 more bricklayer apprentices are needed each year in order to reach 300,000 new homes. Since 2018, we’ve been trying to raise the bar in terms of training within the brickwork industry and seek to reduce the skills gaps as well as eradicate fraudulent or insufficient onsite assessment so that all brickwork contractors have a fully qualified and competent workforce,” said Eve Livett, ABC CEO.
We work very closely with the members of the ABC, and they are doing all they can to facilitate the upskilling on sites and increase relationships with educational centres to boost the level of training. Grayson works as a proactive partner to all those involved in the masonry sector, listening to the challenges faced and developing innovative solutions to overcome them,” she concluded.
