Somerset College

Ever thought about training in bricklaying? Think there’s no point because of the recession? Andy Partington, a construction lecturer at Somerset College in Taunton, believes otherwise.

And he’s encouraging youngsters who missed the traditional September starts to think about making a new beginning in January.

“It can be demoralising if you’ve nothing set up for the new year. We’re starting a Level One Diploma in Brickwork in January and I believe it’s an excellent skill to gain – the industry always needs people of quality, and even if your career goes in a different direction the skills remain with you for the rest of your life,” he says.

Andy is regularly asked for apprentices by local builders, in spite of the recession. “It’s not all about housebuilding, it’s about all kinds of work from patios and walls to extensions too.”

Learning the trade at Somerset College is also a great experience for youngsters who want to enjoy student life and have fun with sport and socialising. “You need that too when you’re 17, and College life is a great all round experience,” says Andy.

A star student in recent times has been Dan Fletcher, who in 2010 entered and won the ‘Skillbuild’ regional finals and was then invited to the national finals (the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices). In the same year he came a close fourth in the national Guild of Bricklayers competition final.

Dan started at Somerset College on a modern apprenticeship in 2009, while working for Roy Attwell Builders, of Taunton. Following his success so far Dan is now studying towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction here at Somerset College.

To find out more  contact 01823 366 366 // enquiries@somerset.ac.uk

Caption: Dan Fletcher with Principal Rachel Davies when he received his Skillbuild award.