Lizzie Allingham Wins ABC Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year 2025
We are incredibly proud that Lizzie Allingham, a talented apprentice at Caxton Academy, has won the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year Award 2025. This prestigious award recognises the best up-and-coming talent in the construction industry.
A Well-Deserved Achievement
Lizzie’s journey at Caxton Academy has been nothing short of inspiring. Under the expert guidance of her tutor, Ivan Sharpe, she has developed outstanding practical skills and a deep understanding of brickwork techniques. Her ability to work with precision, solve challenges, and maintain a positive attitude has made her a standout apprentice.
A bright future ahead
Ivan Sharpe, Caxton Academy Apprenticeship Manager (pictured below) said, “Lizzie winning the Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year Award is a testament to her dedication, talent, and work ethic. It’s not just a personal achievement—it’s an inspiration for other young women looking to join the industry.
From the outset, Lizzie showed a real hunger to learn, particularly in areas where she felt she lacked experience, such as masonry theory. Understanding the “why” behind construction processes—materials, tools, regulations, and specifications—is just as important as mastering the practical skills. This knowledge empowers apprentices to make informed decisions, improving their overall craftsmanship”.
Six-week block learning
Ivan explains, “At Caxton Academy, our six-week block courses allow us to assess apprentices closely and provide hands-on training alongside structured theory sessions. This approach helped me identify Lizzie’s talent early on. Unlike traditional day-release programs, where progress can be harder to track, our immersive training ensures that apprentices receive continuous feedback and develop both their practical and theoretical knowledge”.
A Promising Future at Caxton Builders
Speaking about her win, Lizzie said: “Winning this award means everything to me. Bricklaying is my passion, and I’ve been lucky to have incredible support from my tutors and mentors at Caxton Academy. I’m excited to start my career once I complete my course and put my skills into practice”.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ian Knight, Caxton Builders Managing Director added, “Lizzie’s success highlights the importance of apprenticeships in the construction industry. At Caxton Academy, we are committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, ensuring they receive the best possible training and career opportunities. I have no doubt that Lizzie’s success will encourage more women to follow in her footsteps and join the construction industry”.
Caxton Builders Awards Nomination
Caxton Builders was also nominated for the Commitment to Training and Development Award sponsored by IG Masonry Support.
Interested in a Career in Bricklaying?
Find out more about our bricklaying apprenticeship opportunities at Caxton Academy and start your journey towards a successful career in construction. Hear success stories from our apprentices.
