Chelmsford College Partner with Classic Brick Company to Build Bricklayers' Futures

Chelmsford College is pleased to announce its new employer partnership with Classic Brick which will see the development of the next generation of bricklayers! Classic Brick, alongside EH Smith (Witham), are helping our bricklaying learners gain both the practical experience and technical knowledge needed to help them on their journey into the world of construction.

A major benefit of this partnership is that apprentices are now training using the same high-quality materials that they can expect to use in their future careers. Classic Brick has generously donated a range of handmade bricks, giving learners the chance to work with real textures, weights and details far earlier than they might otherwise experience.

Ensuring the materials are put to good use, the apprentices are constructing a small building onsite at Chelmsford College. This hands-on project will help them practice traditional methods and gain confidence working in conditions that reflect genuine construction environments.

Principal and CEO of Chelmsford College, David Warnes, thanked Classic Brick and shared his appreciation for their support, highlighting how this important partnership directly helps develop talent that will deliver on the governments recently announced 1.5 million new homes target.

Phil Clark, Director of the Princes Road campus at Chelmsford College, recently welcomed Managing Director of Classic Brick Steve Carvell, along with EH Smith’s Barney Carrington, so they could see the project and partnership in action. After meeting the apprentices and firsthand seeing their progress, Steve said:

"It’s a privilege to support Chelmsford College and their bricklaying apprentices. We all know the industry is facing a skills shortage, so helping young people gain practical experience is something we feel strongly about. Donating bricks, specials and banners is a small contribution on our part, but if it helps even a handful of students take their first steps into a rewarding career, then it’s well worth it."

With construction continuing to grow and demand for skilled bricklayers rising, this partnership ensures our learners are industry-ready and possess real site experience, and knowledge of quality materials and the traditional methods to match.

Chelmsford College looks forward to continuing this successful partnership and seeing the completed project onsite, helping prepare learners to build the homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces of the future.