Morgan Sindall Construction and Willmott Dixon have joined forces through the SCAPE Construction framework to run a collaborative programme for bricklaying students at Leeds College of Building. Originating from SCAPE's Community Legacy Programme, the initiative aims to create social value by inspiring young people to pursue careers in construction.

Delivered with specialist partners Marlborough Construction Services and Henley Stone Specialists, the week-long programme blended live site visits with practical, skills-based learning across two SCAPE-procured schemes. Students toured Willmott Dixon's Hough Top project and Morgan Sindall Construction's Middlecross Assisted Living care home scheme in Leeds, observing high-quality brickwork on active sites, while Henley Stone hosted a works tour to showcase the breadth of roles in the sector.

Learners were set a timed challenge to design and build brickwork panels to a live brief. Supported throughout by professionals from Marlborough Construction, they gained insight into trade techniques, quality control, health & safety, and the importance of maintaining tidy work areas.

The programme concluded with assessments by supervisors from Marlborough and Henley, who praised the standard of work and offered career guidance. Ryan Johnson was named overall winner and received a specialist trowel. Runners-up Ryan Milner, Ish Saine and Alfie Dougan were awarded tool bags, and all participants were given a new spirit level in recognition of their efforts.

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The partners said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between contractors, supply chain specialists and educators can help address industry skills shortages by offering clearer, practical routes into construction for young people.

Ryan said: "Yeah, I really enjoyed it, had a lot of fun building it to the spec, and I feel happy with how it turned out with the finished product. I was really excited to come into college each day to work on it."

Ish added: "I learned how to do new things and pick up new skills. I'm happy with how it turned out. At first, I was struggling, but I picked up a good rhythm, and I'm pleased with myself with how it's turned out."

Declan Mahoney, Employability Officer for Construction Crafts at Leeds College of Building, said: "It was a brilliant occasion for our leaners to gain valuable experience from engaging with the best industry professionals their trade has to offer as well as a chance for them to participate in a competition that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have learned from their tutors this year."

Chris Walker, Project Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, leading the delivery of Middlecross Care Homes, said: "We know how important it is for students to see how what they're learning in the classroom translates into a live construction environment. Giving them the opportunity to step onto site, speak to our teams and experience the pace and quality of work first-hand helps bring those skills to life and provides a much clearer picture of what a career in construction can look like."

Chris Yates, Yorkshire Director at Willmott Dixon, said: "Ensuring that future generations of construction professionals have access to opportunities and experience like this is crucial for our industry's success going forward. This collaborative initiative has provided students with an early exposure to hands-on training that will help build their confidence and showcasedhe vast number of rewarding careers out there within the industry."

Alison Ramsey, Senior Social Impact Manager at SCAPE said: "Our Community Legacy Programme brings SCAPE and our partners together with a shared goal to maximise social impact within local communities. Creating employment, skills and training opportunities is a vital part of that commitment, helping people build knowledge, confidence and practical experience while inspiring the next generation. I'm delighted to see Ryan, Ish and the other students gain so much from the experience."