The Lee Marley Academy, based at London South Bank Technical College, recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at the London heat of the SkillBuild competition, held at Lewisham College. The academy's representatives, Alfie Head and Davy Eastwood, showcased their exceptional skills and dedication, with Alfie securing an impressive 2nd place finish out of 16 apprentices.
A Triumph in the Making
Alfie’s success is particularly noteworthy given the fierce competition. He competed against apprentices, many of whom were nearing their End Point Assessment (EPA) and had been training for over two years. Despite these challenges, Alfie excelled, building a complex model within the allotted six-hour timeframe. His achievement is a testament to his hard work and the comprehensive training provided by the Lee Marley Academy.
Also recognised was Davy Eastwood, whose hard work and effort were commendable. The experience gained from participating in such a prestigious competition is invaluable their future careers in construction.
The Road Ahead
With eight more regional heats yet to take place, the final rankings for the National Final qualification are still pending. The top eight highest-scoring apprentices from all regions will be invited to compete in the National Final. Due to the ongoing heats, photographs of Alfie with his finished model cannot be shared at this time to ensure a fair competition for all participants.
Lee Marley leads in the construction industry, specialising in the installation of brick facades for high-rise buildings. The company employs over 1,200 people across London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Lee Marley offers long-term career opportunities in various roles, including bricklayers, scaffolders, construction managers, and quantity surveyors.
Operating from London South Bank Technical College, the academy’s award-winning apprenticeship programmes are distinguished by a combination of behavioural coaching and advanced technical instruction. These programmes go beyond standard apprenticeship requirements, incorporating specialist modules alongside the traditional curriculum. This comprehensive training ensures that apprentices are well-prepared and confident to work in a fast-paced construction environment.
SkillBuild, delivered by the UK's Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK, bringing together construction apprentices and learners from across the country. As the results of the remaining regional heats come in, the Lee Marley Academy eagerly anticipates the possibility of Alfie Head advancing to the SkillBuild National Final. This accomplishment highlights the academy’s commitment to excellence in training and development, preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople for successful careers in the construction industry.
Stay tuned for further updates on Alfie and his cohort’s journey and other achievements from the talented apprentices at LSBTC's Lee Marley Academy.