How a constructive approach to apprenticeships is building young people a future - literally.

Copa Apprenticeships is excited to announce the launch of its new L2 Standard Bricklaying Apprenticeship. At the end of March 2021, an initial cohort of 16–24-year-olds officially begin the two-year programme which will lead to them gaining a coveted Bricklaying Apprenticeship Standard in England and help them boost their careers in the construction industry. It’s the result of a new collaboration that COPA Apprenticeships have struck with specialist bricklaying trainers, Build Skills Plus.

The collaboration of the teams is designed to work to the strengths of both organisations and to help get young local people into work and to advance the skills of people to develop their craft, so they go on to lead fulfilling careers in a way that benefits them, their employers and their communities as a whole.

“Developing a successful apprenticeship is a bit like building a house” says Gareth James, MD of COPA Apprenticeships and North Wales Training. “If you have the means, know a good contractor, you’re confident you can deliver and have no doubt there’s demand for it, you’ve almost got a duty to act.”

(Speaking of the working relationship) “What’s great is we’ve built a sound framework using all the elements we’re known for – our design, outreach, customer service, knowledge of apprenticeships and compliance capability and married them to the perfect delivery associate in Build Skills Plus to provide the crucial training element” says Martin Craven, COPA Apprenticeships Operations Manager.

“We’re delighted to be working with Copa Apprenticeships” said Claire Jones, Build Skills Plus’s MD. “They really surprised us with how fast they’ve been able to put this apprenticeship together to support their learners and we’re looking forward to getting it going and to what we’re confident will be an excellent working relationship.”

Craig Evenson, Build Skills Plus lead instructor, is someone with over 35 years of experience in the construction industry and has been working in bricklaying since he was 16.

Available to learners is a fully equipped purpose-built centre that enables apprentices to learn, develop and practice under cover all year round. We’re never compromised by the rain on the precious day per week they set aside for their training. On site, bad weather stops play sometimes, but with the facilities available, the learning continues, and progress is maintained throughout the programme.

With all the foundations in place and interest growing, Copa Apprenticeships are looking forward to what we hope will be a fantastic year with this exciting new venture into England and construction apprenticeships.

As the country looks to rise again following the trauma of the pandemic, this industry is already showing to be a great way to enable economic growth and to provide the much-needed employment opportunity for young people in the area.

If you would like to find out more about the COPA Apprenticeship Bricklaying training, please fill in the details below