Building skills and confidence: Lizzy passes her exams and qualifies through her Caxton Academy apprenticeship

For many young people entering the construction industry as an apprentice bricklayer can feel daunting without the knowledge and experience needed to go on site with essential skills and confidence. But for Lizzy Allingham, a second-year apprentice bricklayer at Caxton Academy, that journey has been made smoother through one-to-one learning and support from our experienced tutors, personalised training, and a flexible learning structure designed to help apprentices thrive.

At Caxton Academy, we’re proud to offer:

• Courses that go above and beyond the required government standards
• Experienced tutors and one-to-one learning and support
• Small class sizes – just 6 to 10 students per group
• Six-week intensive block learning instead of traditional day release
• The ability to build the knowledge and confidence to go on site in just six weeks
• An optional third year, attended by 95% of our apprentices

Now a fully qualified Level 2 bricklayer, Lizzy reflects on what this milestone means.

“To be fully qualified can feel a little daunting – there’s a lot more responsibility,” she says. “But being given the option of a development third year to improve my speed and confidence before fully stepping into the role has been brilliant. It’s helped ease me into that responsibility and given me more time to focus on the craft.”

A different path into the trade

Lizzy joined Caxton with a diploma in brickwork from South Staffordshire College and some practical experience under her belt – but no apprenticeship in sight. That changed in 2023, when she interviewed with Ivan Sharpe, Caxton Academy’s Apprenticeship Manager.

“Lizzy had a very basic understanding of masonry theory, but her practical skills were more advanced than most first-year students,” Ivan explains. “It was clear that a traditional first-year programme wasn’t the right fit – it would’ve held her back. So, we tailored her apprenticeship to meet her skill level.”

By fast-tracking Lizzy into second-year content while building up her theoretical knowledge, Caxton Academy gave her the best of both worlds: accelerated learning with the right foundations. More time was spent on site, refining her techniques and gaining real-world experience, all while attending theory classes, training days and field trips.

Learning from the best

“What I enjoyed most about my course was learning from experienced bricklayers, especially Ivan,” says Lizzy. “I’ve been taught things you can only learn from hands-on experience. I’m so grateful to everyone I’ve worked with.”

Currently based at Birmingham’s Glasswater Locks for valued client, St Joseph Homes, Lizzy is proud to be working on the project where her journey began.

“I’d love to stay there until it’s complete. That site’s where I started, and it would mean a lot to see it through to the end.”

Recognition for her hard work

In 2025, Lizzy’s talent and dedication were officially recognised when she was named ABC Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year – a major achievement that celebrates rising stars in the construction industry.

“Winning that award meant everything to me,” she says. “Bricklaying is my passion, and I’ve been lucky to have incredible support from everyone at Caxton Academy.”

Looking ahead

As for the future, Lizzy is keeping her options open – and focused.

“Right now, I just want to build up my speed and become a really good bricklayer, like the ones I’ve been working alongside at Caxton Builders. As I progress,  I may look into site supervision or other areas of construction with Caxton Group”.

Ivan adds that Lizzy is a fast learner with real potential to take on wider roles in the future. “We believe in letting young people grow at a pace that suits them – not pushing them too quickly into roles. Lizzy will continue to receive support from across the business – from site teams, management, and from the Academy.”

Support beyond qualification

At Caxton Academy, apprentices typically spend 24 to 30 months working towards their Level 2 bricklayer qualification, followed by a development year. After that, many progress into permanent bricklayer roles within the Group – and from there, can explore a wide range of opportunities at Caxton, including site supervision, project management, and beyond.

Ivan sums up, “Our approach is simple: train people properly, support them fully, and give them the freedom to shape their own future. Lizzy’s story is a powerful example of how this works in practice – and how investing in young talent creates a stronger, more skilled construction industry for everyone”.