Keiron Jackson, a bricklaying apprentice, has been awarded the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year by Redrow Homes. We met Keiron to discuss his journey, the challenges he's overcome, and how his apprenticeship at MidKent College has shaped his career so far.
What made you choose MidKent College for your Bricklaying apprenticeship?
I chose MidKent College because the company I work for recommended it as the best place to get my qualifications. It also happens to be the nearest College to where I live, so it was a practical choice for me.
How did you first become interested in bricklaying as a career?
My interest in bricklaying developed during my second year at West Kent College. The workshop was based at Hadlow, where I had a tutor called John Callahan, who had previously taught at MidKent College. Sadly, John passed away while I was training, but he was a huge influence on me. He took me under his wing and believed in my ability, always making the lessons fun with his sense of humour. John was a fantastic teacher, full of knowledge, and he’s the reason I started to really enjoy bricklaying. I’ll always be grateful to him.
How have your tutors supported you throughout your apprenticeship so far?
My tutors, Lloyd Woodhall, Craig Street, Michael Morgan, Danny Fordham, and Terry McCauley – have been incredibly supportive. I met Lloyd and Danny first, and they both made me feel welcome right away. Lloyd is especially passionate about brickwork and wants everyone to succeed, but all the tutors share that same commitment. Their encouragement has been a big reason why I’ve kept going, even when things were tough.
What’s been the most useful skill you’ve learned with us?
The most valuable skill I’ve learned during my time at MidKent College has been patience. Whether it’s a practical task or a theory assignment, I’ve realised that the knowledge my tutors have took years for them to build, and it’s okay if it takes me time to get there too. It’s helped me to stay focused and not give up, knowing I can tackle whatever task is in front of me.
How do you find balancing the practical work with the classroom learning?
Balancing the practical and theoretical sides of the course has its challenges, but it’s also been really rewarding. Lloyd is particularly keen on us applying what we learn as soon as possible, which helps make the theory clearer when we put it into practice. Michael and Craig have also been great at focusing on areas we might be struggling with, making sure we understand both the practical and theoretical sides fully.
Can you tell us about a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is a simple brickwork corner I did. It might not sound like much, but I had been waiting over a year to start my apprenticeship, and I was both nervous and excited when I finally got the chance. After I finished it, Lloyd, and Danny, both told me I’d done a great job. That moment reassured me that all the waiting and hard work had paid off, and I felt proud of what I’d achieved.
How has winning the Apprentice of the Year award made you feel, and what do you think helped you achieve it?
Winning the Apprentice of the Year award from Redrow Homes made me feel incredibly proud, especially knowing how happy it made my family. I’m also grateful to the Redrow management team for their support throughout my apprenticeship. But I know this is just the beginning. I have a lot more I want to achieve, and I’m determined to keep working hard and improving my skills. I’m not a naturally gifted bricklayer – it’s been hard work, discipline, and repetition that have got me this far, and those are the things that will keep me moving forward.
How do you feel your apprenticeship has prepared you for working on real building sites?
My apprenticeship has given me a solid understanding of what it’s like to work on a building site and interact with people from different trades every day. It’s helped me realise that this is a real job where you must be committed, turn up ready to learn, and continue learning outside of work until you’re fully qualified. I think apprenticeships are often underrated, but they’re such a great way to prepare for the real world of work.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a Bricklaying apprenticeship?
If you’re thinking about a bricklaying apprenticeship, my advice would be don’t do it just for the money. The job can be tough, and you’ll be working in all kinds of weather. You’ve got to be willing to get up early and be ready for a hard day’s work. Have a plan for what you want to do after the apprenticeship – whether that’s climbing the career ladder, starting your own firm, joining a bricklaying team, or maybe going into site management. When things get difficult, and they will at times, make sure you stay positive, have a laugh with your colleagues, and enjoy the experience. It goes by quickly, so make the most of it.
What are your future career goals after completing your apprenticeship?
After my apprenticeship, I’ll either be joining the price team I currently work with, or I might pursue a route into site management. Ultimately, I’d love to have my own firm one day.
Could an apprenticeship be for you? Check out what apprenticeships we have on offer for 2025.
