Brickwork boss welcomes first apprentices to new academy

Grant Prior 9 years ago
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A Midlands brickwork boss is opening his own training academy this week in a bid to counter local skills shortages.

Ian Hodgkinson, who owns Hodgkinson Builders in Pride Park, has teamed up with Derby College to launch the initiative.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis attended an open day at the Hodgkinson Brickwork Academy last week.

Lewis said: “The Hodgkinson Brickwork Academy is a fantastic example of how a new generation of talented, ambitious, highly skilled bricklayers can be inspired and developed.”

And the academy has already secured its first job before even officially opening.

Hodgkinson was so impressed by Kudakwashe “Kudda” Tazvinzwa during the open day that he offered him a job on the spot.

The youngster from Tanzania came to the UK a few years ago with his family and starts work today at Hodgkinson Builders.

All students at the academy will benefit from individual support and mentoring from Hodgkinson and his team.

They will gain practical work experience and will be guaranteed an interview with his company following completion of the one and two year courses.

Hodgkinson, said: “We’ve got ambitious young people seeing that a career in bricklaying and construction in general is full of rewards and it is fantastic to be working with such a forward-thinking organisation as Derby College on this academy.

“Together we can get Britain building again and start with the ambitious young men and women who can forge a fantastic career.”

 

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