Tyler Mudie, 18, is due to complete his Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Training Hub in Scotswood later this month, despite having to overcome challenges, have succeeded in training and qualifying in the industry.

Tyler, who is from Newcastle and is employed by top 10 UK housebuilder Keepmoat, was recently shortlisted for the UK Young Builder of the Year Award, and he explained: “The apprenticeship route has always been of interest to me, particularly in construction. I attended a SEND school, where Geoff Scott at Keepmoat gave a talk on apprenticeships, which helped to confirm that an apprenticeship was the right path for me.

“I love building and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a finished home and knowing I had a part in its creation, that makes me very proud. I feel I am learning so much. My interpersonal skills and organisation have hugely improved off the back of my apprenticeship.

“I grew up in care, which was a brilliant time and really helped me to get where I am today, but securing an apprenticeship was daunting at first. My care worker was amazing at helping me find my routine and settle into my new work life, I can’t thank her enough.’’

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Tyler is completing his apprenticeship at the NHBC Training Hub based at Keepmoat’s, The Rise development, in Scotswood. The NHBC has partnered with the housebuilder to deliver expert-led, bricklaying apprenticeships in as little as 14 months and the training hub will welcome a new cohort of apprentices in April.

Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat added: “We’re delighted with Tyler’s progression. He has really got stuck into his training and it’s a pleasure to have him on the team. We look for hard-working, committed, and motivated individuals, and Tyler has ticked all those boxes, he is a great example for future apprentices to show what can be achieved through the apprenticeship programme.

‘’At Keepmoat, we are excited to see young people thrive in their roles and become the new generation of bricklayers, especially with the current skills shortage in the industry. There are so many progression opportunities within this field so we are excited to see what’s to come.’’

As part of Tyler’s apprenticeship, he spends two weeks at the NHBC Training Hub in Scotswood, followed by ten weeks onsite. This is repeated over the course of the apprenticeship.

Darryl Stewart, responsible for NHBC’s apprenticeship training programmes and hubs said: “NHBC’s house-building apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to the more traditional educational routes with our courses designed with input from across the industry and leading experts.”