Attracting the next generation to the construction industry 

Lee Marley is Founder of Lee Marley Brickwork Limited, which he set up in 1997 when he was 24. 

A former apprentice bricklayer himself, Lee appreciates the opportunities that a quality apprenticeship can offer and is keen to encourage young talent into the construction sector:

Many people have forgotten about the next generation, we need to make more young people aware of theopportunities there are to progress in this industry, to learn new skills and move up the ladder into different roles. In the past people did apprenticeships because they thought they should, not necessarily because they wanted to. Not enough young people are taking up careers in the sector, but the construction industry offers a long-term career and a bright future rather than simply a placement.

I believe we need to start tapping into the next generation much earlier, apprenticeships have become more acceptable with schools and the government helping to promote the industry, but there is still a lot of work to be done! We need more courses and work-based training, so kids are not getting into debt and are looking at this sector as their future. 

At Lee Marley Brickwork Limited we offer both brickwork and scaffolding apprenticeships and currently have 68 apprentices at 14 colleges around the UK and are looking to take on more this year.

Students need a really solid grounding and overall general knowledge about the industry and the company they work for, at our company we work closely with students, explaining the options available within the trade so they can understand the business they are investing in and make the right choices for their future with us.

Apprentice Training Manager Christian Hatherall-Good joined our team in 2020, he mentors the students both on site and at our new graduate hub in Notting Hill. We are an accredited Investors in People business and firmly believe in the ethos of putting our staff first. I want all of our workforce to believe in a future with Lee Marley and the opening of our new graduate hub is a part of that investment in our team.

Training on the job through an apprenticeship is the best way to learn and you can earn a wage while learning! Real life learning is important, but it cannot be all of the learning. Apprentices also need the opportunity in a training centre to practice new skills, gain knowledge and learn from their peers. 

Hands on experience on live construction jobs is key but so is working within an office environment. An in-house hub allows students to grow in confidence, establish and build on relationships with both suppliers and clients and not get complacent. I like to think that we offer graduates a real 360-degree experience, working live on site with bricklayers through to management level and customers in Head Office.

Graduate Estimator Ben Spyvee comments:

“Since joining LMB, I have gained valuable experience from working on live construction jobs and within the estimating department. This has allowed me to build valuable skills and become an important member of the team.

“Over the 18-month period I have worked for the company I have witnessed a large amount of investment and growth in key areas that have created an improved working environment, most notably being the opening of the new office in Notting Hill.

“This has provided a more enjoyable and efficient working environment for all involved. The large open spaces, meeting spots and a host of other features has formed a great hub for the company, opening opportunities to host important meetings with clients, colleagues, and suppliers.

“I am looking forward to the future and hopefully building on all the positives that have already been introduced.”

Michael Tame MRICS, Commercial Director at Lee Marley Brickwork says:

“A key passion of ours is our Graduate and Apprenticeship Schemes which promote young talent. The opening of our Notting Hill office will promote a friendly hub for our graduates to base themselves from.

“The office provides collaborative workspaces, offices and a large boardroom with state-of-the-art conference and presentation software, ideal for online and in-person training”.