A Wigan man has spoken about how his apprenticeship helped him break free from a cycle of low-skilled jobs and build a career he’s proud of.

Bradley Hunter, 25, is set to complete his Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship with top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat later this year, after previously working in a series of roles he says left him feeling stuck with no clear future.

Delivered in partnership with the National House Building Council (NHBC), the bricklaying qualification has allowed Bradley to earn while learning and gain hands-on experience.

Now building a career he is proud of - Bradley has built homes to transform a disused piece of brownfield land in Worsley Mesnes alongside other apprentices. The housing scheme, called The Seasons, represents £23.4 million investment from Keepmoat to deliver 169 homes, including 42 affordable properties.

He explains: “Before my apprenticeship with Keepmoat, I was stuck in dead-end jobs I didn’t enjoy and couldn’t see a future in. Starting again and going back to get a qualification completely changed that.

“I’d always been interested in construction and my apprenticeship has given me the chance to build real bricklaying skills on site, work as part of the Keepmoat team and see a clear pathway for progression.

“The mix of hands-on experience and time in the training hub has helped me grow personally and professionally. I love being able to look at the homes I’ve been part of building with pride of the work I’ve done. Keepmoat has given me purpose and a career I’m genuinely proud of.”

The housebuilder has been working alongside the NHBC to deliver apprenticeships since 2023 and apprentices spend an initial five weeks of tailored and immersive training at the NHBC Training Hub covering both theory and practical skills before working on site.

This is followed by four further two-week blocks at the NHBC Training Hub every 10 weeks throughout the apprenticeship programme which are delivered in 14 to 18 months.

Julie Baker, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, North West added: "We’re delighted with Bradley’s progression. He’s really got stuck into his training and it’s a pleasure to have him on the team.

“At Keepmoat, we are excited to see apprentices thrive in their roles and become the new generation of bricklayers, especially with the current skills shortage in the industry. There are so many progression opportunities within this field so we are excited to see what’s to come for Bradley.”