Bricklaying training hub opens in Hull

A new training hub has been opened in Hull by the National House Building Council (NHBC) in partnership with apprenticeship provider EN:Able Futures.

The facility is equipped with classrooms, as well as welfare and catering facilities which will provide apprentices with a realistic working environment, initially focusing on bricklaying.

The hub has capacity for 50 apprentices, who will be expected to qualify in 18 months.

Since becoming a registered apprenticeship provider in 2020, around 400 people have progressed through NHBC’s bricklaying and construction site supervisor programmes.

Speaking at the opening, NHBC CEO Steve Wood said: “Bricklaying is at the heart of housebuilding and a hugely important skill. An ageing workforce means we must find ways to encourage more people to come into housebuilding, with bricklaying being an excellent pathway into a rewarding and well-paid career. 

“I am proud NHBC is committed to supporting the next generation of housebuilders. It’s fantastic to see them at the NHBC Training Hub where apprentices are equipped with the skills they need to build high-quality new homes, with this helping to close the skills gap and address the UK’s housing shortage. 

“NHBC’s apprenticeships are for everyone and we’re delighted to see people from all backgrounds coming through, including school leavers, career changers and women wanting to work in housebuilding. It’s never too late to learn a new skill.”