Birmingham-based apprenticeships in bricklaying and façades installation.
Caxton Group is proud to announce the launch of its new Academy, providing apprenticeship courses in partnership with Birmingham training provider, Salutem. The courses are aimed at empowering young individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the construction industry. The Academy’s mission is to provide practical experience combined with comprehensive classroom learning, ensuring apprentices are well- prepared and confident to step into their chosen careers in construction.
See the future of construction training in action
Caxton Academy grand opening
Join us to celebrate the grand opening of Caxton Academy – bricklaying and façade installation courses in the heart of Birmingham.
- Date & time: Thursday 6 February, 10 AM – 11 AM
- Special guest: Helene Dearn OBE, Executive Director of Employment Skills Health and Communities at West Midlands Combined Authority
- Highlights: Live demonstrations from our apprentices, including bricklaying, masonry support, and façade installation. Meet the Salutem team, sponsors, and Caxton Group clients.
This is your chance to see the future of construction training in action and learn more about how we’re addressing the UK’s skills shortage.
Caxton Academy courses
• Bricklaying – This course covers fundamental techniques and skills, from laying bricks and blockwork to understanding construction technology and safety practices. It is meticulously designed to go above and beyond the required Government industry standards, preparing apprentices for a successful career in the sector.
• Façade installation – Coming soon. This course will focus on modern façade systems, installation techniques, and the technical skills necessary for high-quality exterior building work.
Addressing the UK’s bricklayer shortage
As highlighted in recent media reports, there’s a severe shortage of bricklayers in the UK, with demand significantly outstripping supply due to reduced migration and an ageing workforce. The UK construction industry faces a shortfall of 65,000 skilled workers, including bricklayers, while the number of EU-born workers has fallen by 42% since Brexit. Additionally, one in five UK-born construction workers is over the age of 55, creating an urgent need to train new talent. This shortage has placed immense pressure on the construction industry, delaying projects and driving up costs.
Caxton Academy is tackling this issue head-on by training the next generation of skilled bricklayers. Through our hands-on apprenticeship programmes, we aim to equip young people with the expertise needed to fill this critical skills gap, ensuring the construction industry can continue to thrive.
Aligned with the Mayor’s vision for the West Midlands
The launch of Caxton Academy coincides with the recent unveiling of a flagship plan by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, to create 20,000 learning and work opportunities for young people across the region. With youth unemployment in the West Midlands double the national average, this initiative aims to provide young individuals with the best possible start in life through quality jobs, support, and career progression opportunities.
Mayor Parker remarked, “I want the West Midlands to be the region that gives young people the best possible start in life, with good quality jobs, the support they need to feel ready for work, and the ability to progress in their careers. Let’s work together to make the West Midlands a model for the nation by investing in our youth and therefore investing in our future.”
Committed to a brighter future
Caxton Group Apprenticeship Development Manager, Ivan Sharpe, highlighted the importance of these new courses: “Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. We are dedicated to ensuring our apprentices
gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to excel in the construction industry. By aligning with the Mayor’s vision and addressing the national bricklayer shortage, we are committed to building a stronger future for our community.”
Salutem Operations Director, Gemma Kemp, added, “Salutem is delighted to be working with Caxton Group, who share our values in delivering high- quality apprenticeship training. We ensure that all students don’t just learn what is required to complete the apprenticeship, but importantly also learn the Caxton way of working and practice in a safe environment. This will ensure students are ready to hit the ground running when they go out on site.”
