Bricklaying

I came to Lewisham College in September because it seemed much friendlier than the other Colleges. I feel safe and comfortable here.

I used to be really shy at school; I didn't say a word to anyone. Now I've come here and my shyness has gone. It's such a friendly place, I'm not afraid to talk to people. In school I was too quiet to say if I didn't understand things, but now I ask lots of questions during class. My mum was very surprised with how I've changed.

I was also diagnosed with dyslexia at College. They picked up on it and tested me, and now every Wednesday I go for an hour's help on my English. It's one-on-one tuition; I'm not in a full classroom, so I understand everything so much more easily.

My brother Jack now wants to come to Lewisham College to study Electrical Engineering because he's seen me doing so well. I'd definitely recommend for people to come here and study. I learn so much more here than I did at school. I enjoy the course, and I take pride in my work.

I'll probably stay on at College for a few more years, but afterwards I want to be self employed, and run my own business.

Lewisham College Bricklaying rooms have bright, spacious, up-to-date workshops and facilities and equipment, where students are encouraged to progress at their own pace and to fulfil their potential. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and each year several students enter for the London Region of the Skillbuild Competition.

Students in Brickwork are taught the skills they need to progress in the industry and achieve their full potential. Many have gone on to form their own companies or to become foremen for contractors on major sites in the London area. Some progress to BTEC ONC and HNC courses.

I went into the building industry straight after school. I was in labouring in the early days, and then I went into floor screeding. I've worked in most trades, but it was Brickwork that I eventually drifted into.

I've worked for a few firms and I was self employed for a number of years. I did a lot of domestic work, things like housing extensions. We'd do the lot; we'd build the extension, put the roof on, tile the walls and put in the kitchen. I preferred doing that sort of work, doing the back of someone's house in leafy Surrey beats being on a building site. I enjoyed working for myself.

I initially came to Lewisham College as a student. I'd been laying bricks for years, but I came to College to get my Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card.

I've been at Lewisham College in a teaching capacity for two years now. I started first as an instructor, then became a lecturer. If I'm honest, I went into teaching because I'm getting a bit older now, but I do really enjoy it.

The best thing about my job is being able to pass on my industry experience to students. I enjoy being in a position to watch students progress, knowing that I've taught them.

The Bricklaying department offers a good course, and good tuition. We also keep up with modern methods and have great facilities.

I've always earned a good living, and enjoyed going to work. I'm trying to teach students that they can have a similar lifestyle. The building trade's a good game to be in.