Since starting MidKent College in September 2022, Level 2 in Bricklaying apprentice Sophie has not only shown exceptional progress in her apprenticeship, but has also represented the College in two Bricklaying competitions.
In March she competed in the KFE Bricklaying competition, and placed an amazing second place. Recently she won a Kent qualifying heat to then progress to compete in the Guild of Bricklayers competition and achieved third place!
Sophie said “For the Guild of Bricklayers competition I had to do a Flemish bond wall. You are given a drawing at the start of the competition, but it doesn’t have all of the details on it, so you need to work things out yourself. I’d have to do this if I was on site.
I was quite proud I managed to place third!”
Sophie is completing her apprenticeship with Roe Brickwork, and says “At the moment in my apprenticeship I’ve just been building houses so we get the inside skin up, and then the brick and concrete work up on the outside.”
Retraining at the age of 28, Sophie was originally a manager in care, and was looking for something different, “One day my friend showed me how to do pointing. I’d recommend others to change their career – I’m enjoying it.
I’m focused on completing my apprenticeship as quick as possible I’d do the level 3 too if my employer offered it.”
Jane Burtenshaw, Director of Employer Relations at MidKent College said, “Sophie has worked hard on developing a wide range of skills required in her role at Roe Brickwork and the wider building industry. She has produced work of a consistently high standard, and we are proud of everything that she has accomplished since starting her apprenticeship in September.
Taking part in two competitions within a few months of starting College shows a clear desire to learn, keen application of skills and talent for the trade.
Apprenticeships are a great career opportunity for all, whether that’s school leavers, those looking to retrain or to gain formal qualifications within their current role.”
Find out more about hiring an apprentice or being an apprentice in Kent.
