At Able Skills, we pride ourselves on the high level of training and expertise we’re able to offer anyone who enrols in one of our courses.
That means that behind the scenes, we ensure our team is made up of the finest and most knowledgeable professionals from each trade sector. From plumbers and electricians to tilers and gas engineers—anyone who completes their training with Able Skills will be doing so under the guidance of the very best in the business.
In our Meet the Team series, we’ll be shining the spotlight on the very people who make Able Skills tick. To kick things off, we picked the brain of our incredibly talented bricklaying tutor, Simon.
Meet Simon, one of our bricklaying tutors:
Could you give us a little insight into your own background and experience?
“After starting off as a bricklayer, I progressed into a range of roles like bricklaying supervisor, site management, industrial cladding and steel fixing. I moved into teaching part-time before it became my full-time career at Mid Kent College, where I ran the bricklaying department for four years.
“I needed a new challenge and felt Able Skills was the platform to pass on my wide and varied experience to candidates who want a career in the bricklaying industry. Here I’ve developed the bricklaying programmes for Level 1 accredited qualifications, the EWPA and OSAT assessments along with the new entrant routes which are now running across all construction areas.
“I also helped develop the on-site assessment route, which has delivered great success in our learners achieving the necessary qualifications for their industry.”
What is the most rewarding part of being a tutor at Able Skills?
“Watching learners gain knowledge, skills and the confidence to move into the construction industry.”
What are the most important things to factor in when teaching trade courses?
“Courses should be developmental, factoring in the different learning styles of individuals. They should also take regular feedback into account and involve target setting for future construction activities.”
What steps are taken to ensure participants are prepared for employment upon completion of more advanced courses?
“I have developed more challenging brickwork projects for students to undertake to prepare them for real-life work situations. Learners also receive one-to-one guidance on portfolio development for the Level 2 NVQ Diploma, ensuring they provide adequate evidence of their site diary including photo, video and referencing.”
If you could offer your students one key piece of advice, what would it be?
“Good things come to those who participate and every day should be a learning curve.”
Our facilities
Along with all of our tutors being experts in their fields and possessing all the required teaching qualifications, we have nine premium training facilities that mean whatever trade programme you’re undertaking, you’ll have your own dedicated space meaning no disruptions.
We’re also able to offer our students affordable accommodation options should you need somewhere to stay while you carry out your training.
Our bricklaying courses
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards a career in bricklaying, or have been in the industry for years and need formal qualifications, we have a range of courses tailored to all levels of experience.
Unsure which course is right for you? Our team would be happy to advise. Give us a call on 01322 280 202, request a brochure or pop into our training centre for a chat.