House-building apprentices have been recognised today at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual graduation ceremony held at its headquarters in Milton Keynes. As a leading training provider for the house-building industry, NHBC’s training is shaping and growing the future workforce.
Ryley McBride, 17 from Whitkirk, Leeds was awarded NHBC Brickwork Apprentice of the Year. Ryley trained at NHBC’s Training Hub in Newcastle and achieved a merit. After struggling in education and finding his GCSEs challenging, Ryley’s will to succeed and resolution to apply himself means he is now building a successful career in construction with Keepmoat.
Ryley said: “Completing my bricklaying apprenticeship with NHBC has set me up for life. I’ve learned the highest industry standards and gained the skills to build quality homes that meet NHBC regulations. The training hub gave me hands-on experience and prepared me for the real world of construction.
“I’d encourage anyone who wants a solid career, good money and a great working environment to go for an apprenticeship. The average bricklayer earns fifty thousand pounds a year. That’s a great wage for me. My goal is to one day run my own company, and this apprenticeship has given me the foundation to make that happen.”
Matthew Griffiths, 36 from Poole, Dorset, who works for Bellway Homes, was awarded NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. Joining the construction industry from the armed forces, Matthew has shown excellent organisational and time management skills on site. Holding himself to the very highest standards, he achieved a distinction in his apprenticeship.
Matthew comments: “After serving in the RAF for ten years, I was ready for a new challenge and a more settled family life. I wanted a hands-on career where I could stay active, so I initially explored carpentry but soon realised my skills were better suited to site management.
“The NHBC apprenticeship has been a learning curve and the support and training have been incredible. It’s given me the confidence and qualifications to progress and I’ve recently stepped into an assistant site manager role.
“For anyone thinking they’re too old to change careers, don’t hesitate. I’ll be working until I’m 70, so why not spend those years doing something rewarding. There are so many opportunities in house building, great pay and the opportunity for career progression. I’m now aiming for my Level 6 NVQ with NHBC. If you’re feeling stuck in your job, an NHBC apprenticeship is an achievable and life-changing step into a new career.”
Also recognised at the ceremony were Toby Egan, 23 from Cambridge, who works for Taylor Wimpey, and Romana Brodzinska, 34 from Seacroft, Leeds, who works for Watkin Jones and Son. Toby was commended for his dedication, resilience and tenacity, achieving a distinction grade for his NHBC Brickwork Apprenticeship and Romana was recognised for taking a highly organised, communication-led and proactive approach to her NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship. Both received a highly commended award.
Romana comments: “When I started in house building, I never imagined it would turn into such a great career path. Thanks to NHBC’s apprenticeship, I have gained the skills and knowledge needed to progress and now I’m on track to becoming a site manager.
“I’d absolutely encourage more women to consider taking up or changing to a career in house building. There’s a huge need for more women to come into the industry. Women bring a different perspective, strong organisational skills and attention to detail that makes a real impact. NHBC provides top-tier training and support, making it the best choice for anyone looking to grow in this field. The opportunities and the career prospects are great.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Darryl Stewart, who is responsible for NHBC’s Training Hubs and apprenticeships programme, said: “Congratulations to all the apprentices recognised today, we are truly proud to be supporting the next generation of home builders.
“Apprenticeships are a great path to a rewarding, well-paid career; they are also a great way for builders to grow a skilled workforce. In most cases training costs are fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and generous CITB grants are also available. Combined with NHBC’s immersive programmes where apprentices typically complete in just 14 to 18 months and many with merits or distinctions, there has never been a better time to be or take on an apprentice.”
In November 2024, NHBC announced it will be supercharging house-building training with a £100m investment in a new national network of multi-skill apprenticeship training hubs. These will help address the house-building industry’s growing skills shortage by producing an additional 3,000 skilled and site-ready tradespeople each year.
For more information about NHBC’s apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeships | NHBC.