Caxton Group Managing Director reflects on Caxton Academy’s success so far
Caxton Group Managing Director, Chris Bellamy reflects on the success of Caxton Academy and the positive impact its bricklaying apprenticeships has made on our team so far.
In partnership with training provider Salutem, Caxton Group is committed to providing hands-on training and education that will set the foundations for a successful career in construction. Our Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeships and facades installation apprenticeships go above and beyond the required Government industry standard, an element that sets us apart in the industry and puts our apprentices at an advantage.
Caxton Group core values – striving for excellence
Chris headed to Birmingham’s Salutem to meet the apprentices and to find out how they are finding the course so far. “The bricklaying apprentices I met at Caxton Academy were overwhelmingly positive, not just about the Academy itself, but about their own self-development. It’s clear that they’re gaining a lot from this experience. Caxton Academy, in partnership with Salutem is aligned with the core values and culture of Caxton Group: supporting staff, doing what is right, working as a team, and always striving for excellence”.
An Academy to be proud of
Chris added: “I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to launch Caxton Academy. I’m absolutely delighted with the progress made. Seeing the incredible work being done with our young apprentices and hearing the positive feedback from them is something to be truly proud of. In an industry often driven by targets, contracts, and programmes, what Caxton Academy is achieving makes everything else so much more rewarding.”
Bricklaying Apprenticeships – we hear from second year apprentice, Kitchener Godsmark
Learning, growth and confidence
Second-year bricklaying apprentice, Kitchener Godsmark, shared his perspective on the impact the Academy has made on his learning, growth and confidence: “Our course tutor, Ivan, has given me a solid understanding of what I need to achieve to become the best bricklayer I can be. He doesn’t just give us the answers—he shows us different techniques and encourages us to think for ourselves, which has really boosted my confidence. He provides detailed explanations and advice, and always offers help when needed”.
Combining theory and practical experience
“Our learning includes attending theory lessons where we learn about various aspects of bricklaying, including brick bonds, gauging, and working from datums. Ivan enhances our learning with practical demonstrations and visual displays, and we complete exams or questionnaires afterward to ensure we’ve understood the material. I have complete confidence that being part of Caxton Academy will give me the best possible skills and knowledge to excel in my trade.”
Making a difference
Chris concluded by praising the team’s efforts: “Thank you to Apprentice Development Manager, Ivan Sharpe and your team. It’s clear from this feedback just how much of a difference you are making to the lives of the young apprentices we have on board. I am proud of what we have achieved as a business, and the contribution we are making to our local community and the future of the construction industry”.
Caxton Academy supports youth unemployment strategy
Caxton Academy supports the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parkers strategy designed to tackle youth unemployment. This major flagship plan will seek to create 20,000 learning and work opportunities with partners and businesses across the region. The Mayor shared this first phase of his plan on a regional level to align with national government’s youth guarantee, at the Learning and Work Institutes’ Employment and Skills Convention. Rising youth unemployment is a national issue, but in the West Midlands it is double the national average in some areas such as Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
Find out more about Caxton Academy and enquire now.