Kieran, Trainee Bricklayer
Kieran, 17, joined Site Ready Solutions after studying bricklaying at college. Although he had some classroom experience, he wanted a practical pathway into the industry.
Through the Site Ready programme in Basildon, he has grown in confidence and developed his skills on site with the support of experienced mentors.
“One of my proudest moments was laying bricks and having my mentor check the wall without needing to adjust anything,”
Beyond technical skills, Kieran highlights the friendships he has built with other trainees, both on and off site. He describes his experience so far as “10 out of 10, a great career path” and sees a long-term future in bricklaying.
Luke, Trainee Bricklayer
Luke, 20, from Southend, joined Site Ready Solutions in December as his route into construction. College wasn’t the right fit for him, so he wanted hands-on training and real-world experience.
He started out laying around 50 bricks a day but, with the guidance of a mentor, quickly progressed to 150.
“Getting that support made all the difference. I learned new techniques and gained the confidence to push myself.”
Luke appreciates the balance of independence and guidance that the programme provides: trainees are encouraged to think for themselves while also learning from experienced tradespeople. He now sees a clear pathway to becoming a qualified bricklayer and hopes one day to move into a supervisory role.
Luke sums up his experience so far simply: “It’s been a journey.”
Tod, Trainee Bricklayer
Tod has been part of Site Ready Solutions and GSQ for nearly three years. After leaving school, he knew office work wasn’t for him.
“I wanted to do something creative and hands-on,” he explains.
A visit from Site Ready Solutions to his college opened the door to an apprenticeship, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Tod admits he expected site work to be “rough” and intimidating but quickly discovered the opposite. He found supportive colleagues and mentors, who helped him build confidence and pride in his work
“The first time I built brickwork on my own and it came out perfectly, I went home feeling really proud. That moment gave me a huge boost.”
During his time at Site Ready, Tod has learned that preparation and discipline not only make the job easier but also improve the quality of work. With guidance from his mentor Pat, he has grown steadily, moving from beginner tasks to producing high-quality brickwork with independence.
As one of the more experienced trainees on site, Tod admits he feels “a bit like being an older brother sometimes,”.
Watching new trainees progress reminds him of his own early days and the importance of support in shaping the next generation of bricklayers.
Looking ahead, Tod is keen to progress into working on price work: building walls, garages, and garden features – and sees a long-term future in the trade. He sums up his experience with Site Ready Solutions in one word: “Phenomenal.”
Kay
At 27, Kay has found her calling in construction, a journey that’s been as personal as it has been professional.
“I started as a hod carrier for about sixteen months,” she explains. “Now I’m on the trowel with Site Ready Solutions and I absolutely love it.”
But just a few years ago, Kay’s life looked very different. After nearly a decade in hospitality and retail, she reached a crossroads. “I was in quite a difficult situation,”
“I couldn’t really afford to look after myself or even sort my car out. I needed a new career: something more stable, more physical. Something that made me proud.”
Encouraged by her uncle, a roofer, Kay began looking into construction. “He said if you can get on site, it’s good money, but you’ve got to be prepared to work. I’ve always been a grafter, so that stuck with me.”
Her decision to join Site Ready Solutions was a leap of faith, but it quickly paid off. “I was terrified at first,” she admits. “Being a woman on site, I didn’t know what to expect. But everyone’s been so respectful. The people here are incredible. It’s been smooth sailing since day one.”
Transitioning from hospitality to hard hats taught Kay more than just technical skills. “Patience has been the biggest lesson,” she says. “In pubs, you’re running around at a thousand miles an hour. On site, you have to slow down mentally and focus on the craft. Stay calm and be consistent.”
Today, Kay takes huge pride in her progress. “I’m proud to be in the industry, full stop. Knowing I’m helping to build homes for real people, that’s a powerful feeling.”
Her work has even extended to community projects, including building housing for homeless people. “Anything that gives back, that’s what motivates me. It’s not just about building walls – it’s about building something meaningful.”
Working alongside experienced bricklayers has been eye-opening. “You gain so much respect for how skilled they are,” Kay says. “They make it look easy, and it’s not easy at all. Watching and learning from them has been amazing.”
She’s also determined to keep progressing herself. “In the next few years, I just want to qualify and keep building. This isn’t a short-term job, this is my career.”
Kay is passionate about encouraging others to take the same leap she did. “Don’t hesitate,” she says. “Look into apprenticeships, local colleges, or reach out to companies like I did. I literally emailed Garry, and that’s how it all started.”
Her advice to anyone doubting themselves is simple: “Show up every day, work hard, and people will notice. It’s life changing. It really is.”
From hospitality manager to bricklayer in training, Kay’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and self-belief. Through Site Ready Solutions, she’s not just building walls, she’s building a stronger future for herself and inspiring others to do the same.
