Leeds College of Building Students Complete Industry Skills Programme

Local bricklaying students gain practical experience through live site visits and challenges

Students at Leeds College of Building (LCB) have recently completed a weeklong industry initiative designed to enhance their practical bricklaying skills and provide insight into real construction environments. The programme was delivered in collaboration with construction firms Morgan Sindall Construction and Willmott Dixon, alongside supply chain partner Henley Stone.

Programme Overview and Site Visits

The initiative, supported by the SPACE Community Legacy Programme, combined live site visits with practical, skills-based learning. Students visited two active construction projects procured through SCAPE frameworks. Earlier in the week, they toured Willmott Dixon’s Hough Top project, followed by a visit to Morgan Sindall Construction’s Middlecross Assisted Living care home scheme. These visits allowed students to observe high-quality brickwork and the daily operations of live construction sites.

Practical Challenge and Industry Support

During the programme, students were tasked with designing and constructing brickwork panels within a set timeframe, working to a live brief. Throughout this challenge, they received guidance from experienced professionals, gaining insight into trade techniques and quality control processes.

The week concluded with an assessment of the students’ work by subcontractor supervisors from Marlborough and Henley, who provided feedback and career advice. The standard of work was noted as high, reflecting the students’ growing skills and understanding of the trade.

Recognition and Student Feedback

• Ryan Johnson was named overall winner of the practical challenge and awarded a specialist trowel.
• Runners-up Ryan Milner, Ish Saine, and Alfie Dougan received tool bags.
• All participating students were given spirit levels in recognition of their involvement.

Ryan Johnson commented on his experience: “I really enjoyed it, had a lot of fun building it to the spec, and I feel happy with how it turned out with the finished product. I was really excited to come into college each day to work on it.”

Industry and College Perspectives

Chris Walker, Project Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, highlighted the value of the programme in connecting classroom learning with real-world construction work. He said the opportunity to visit live sites and engage with industry professionals helps students understand the pace and quality expected in the trade.

Declan Mahoney, LCB Employability Officer for Construction Crafts, noted the benefits for students in gaining experience and demonstrating their skills through the competition element of the programme.

Beth Carter, Business Systems Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, acknowledged the longstanding relationship with LCB and praised the students’ performance during the initiative.