Three generations of Redcar and Cleveland College brickwork apprentices got to reflect on their experiences this week as they paid a return visit to the college.

Each were here to attend a specialist workshop which turned out to be quite the reunion.

Retired college tutor, John McCallum, a former brickwork apprenticeship tutor at the college, caught up with a previous student, Ian Burton, who now owns and operates his own firm; IB Building Services.

And with Ian now in a position to employ his own apprentice, Morgan, who is currently studying Level 2 Brickwork at the college, the trio was complete.

Morgan said: “I’ve been on my apprenticeship since January and it’s great, every day is a bit different and I like being on-the-job.”

He went on to explain one of the key differences between an apprenticeship and studying full-time, saying: “On-site, you learn things that they can’t teach such as how to work in small spaces when you’re in someone’s home.”

A former apprentice himself, Ian explained how he’s finding having an apprentice on-site suits him. He said: “Morgan is a hard worker and has been able to develop his skills. He’s learned to read plans and lay bricks as well as being punctual and keen to learn.”

Reflecting on his own experience he said:  “I’ve had a great career, I’ve been laying bricks as far away as Germany and it’s great to be able to give another young person the same opportunity.”

As for retired tutor John, who enjoyed a tour of the college’s trade skills facilities, he said: “The college feels very different now, it’s very modern and they are using techniques that we didn’t teach when I was a tutor.”

All attending a demonstration from Celcon who were showcasing their unique aircrete block system to students and apprentices, bricklaying assessor Neil Wheldon said: “It’s the perfect blend of youth and experience coming together under one roof.”

For more information on the apprenticeships the College offers, visit: https://www.cleveland.ac.uk/apprenticeships/