With our bricklaying apprenticeship Theo reckons he’s found a safe route to running his own property company

There’s good reason why Construction is one of the most rewarding and well-paid professions. You get to see the fruits of your labour after every day, raise buildings that will last for generations, and have the satisfaction of delighting customers with the precious new home or extension you’ve built for them.

It’s not without its dangers though. The nature of construction sites makes it one of the riskier professions to make a career in, the reason why those in it can command good salaries. Too often those who get injured are new and inexperienced and haven’t received adequate training.

That’s not something you ever need worry about with our L2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship, run by the excellent and experienced Build Skills Plus. Indeed, for new apprentice Theo Christian Roll the health and safety part has been a real eye opener.

After taking a “great liking to it” Theo aspires to work in construction for the rest of life and one day run his own building firm.

Theo, from Middlewich, got a place on the apprenticeship after a friend recommended us to him. We promptly set him up with an employer, John Mills Builders, and he attends Build Skills centre Wednesday of every week to train.

Theo thinks the course is “brilliant” and that the trainers – Craig and Steve are “perfect” because “we get full attention from them…they are exactly what we need to motivate us… they “always treat us with respect” and “provide us with resources to complete our tasks professionally.’

One of the best aspects of the course is that they “get to build models to see the end product”. These are evaluated by Craig and Steve who “point out the strengths and weaknesses of my build. This builds confidence” according to Theo. It also helps make up for work not always involving the brickwork Theo most enjoys.

And the biggest take away? “So far, I have learned a lot to do with Health and Safety, which half of the stuff I did not know. It is great to take out into the work-place to keep myself and others around me safe at all times.”

Asked what he would say to other people considering enrolling on the same course Theo says “‘I would say it is well worth it. You get so much out of it at the end with support throughout’”

So if you’re seeking a safe route to a great career in construction take Theo’s advice and look no further than Copa’s L2 Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.

For more information on this and the other apprenticeships we offer see the Copa Apprenticeships website or phone 01492 543 431.