Leeds College of Building Hosts Skill Development Programme

Students gain practical experience and industry insights during week-long event

Leeds College of Building recently delivered a skill-building programme focused on enhancing student employability, supported by several long-term industry partners. The initiative included a bricklaying competition and a series of practical sessions designed to provide students with hands-on experience and professional guidance.

Industry collaboration and site visit

The programme began with a launch session at the South Bank Campus, featuring talks from representatives of Willmott Dixon Construction, Morgan Sindall Construction, and Supply Chain. Following this, students visited a live construction site in Armley, where Morgan Sindall is currently building a care home. During the visit, students were introduced to workplace professionalism and various brickwork methods used on the project.

Practical bricklaying sessions and competition

With support from Leeds College of Building tutors, Marlborough Construction Services, and Supply Chain, students received a wall build design specification. They completed the task over two sessions, applying the techniques and knowledge gained throughout the week.

At the end of the programme, representatives from all participating companies assessed the students’ work in a brick workshop. Each participant received a spirit level in recognition of their efforts. The overall winner, Ryan Jonson, was awarded a specialist trowel. Runner-up prizes, consisting of tool bags, were presented to Ryan Milner, Ish Saine, and Alfie Dougan.

Student reflections

• Ryan Milner said: “I really enjoyed it, I had a lot of fun building the wall to spec and I feel happy with how it turned out. I was really excited to come into college each day to work on it.”
• Ish Saine reflected: “At first, I was struggling but eventually I picked up a good rhythm and I’m really happy with how my work turned out. I really enjoyed the week of sessions, I learned how to do new things and picked up lots of new skills.”

The programme highlights the ongoing partnership between Leeds College of Building and construction industry organisations, aiming to equip students with relevant skills and experience for future employment.