Two brickwork apprentices have their sights set on success through a new self-employment venture.

Joe and Kieran, both aged 22 from Whitby, made a bold decision to become self-employed upon completion of their apprenticeship. Having both studied their Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship at Redcar & Cleveland College, they studied whilst working alongside Taylor Wimpey at sites across East Cleveland.

When asked why they chose to complete a trade apprenticeship, Joe said: “I wanted to do something that gave me self-pride when I looked at it, and my construction apprenticeship certainly lived up to that. I’ve gone from not being able to lay a brick to building houses.”

Kieran also added: “Being able to study alongside working is great because you can relate the things you learn on-site to when you’re in the classroom; as well as the other way round.”

After completing their apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey, they decided to register as self-employed and source contract work. Joe explained: “We’re in a good position with work already secured on a new development site in Pickering.”

They both echoed each other with their positive feeling towards Taylor Wimpey saying, “Taylor Wimpey was a great place to work at the beginning of our career and was a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced builders. We can now continue this on another site learning from other professionals.”

The duo reflected on the support they’ve received whilst at the college both saying, “The tutors are always on hand if you have questions and they treat you like the adult you are.”

For more information on the apprenticeships programmes offered at Redcar & Cleveland College, please visit: https://www.cleveland.ac.uk/apprenticeships/