Nervous novice to award-winning bricklayer: Ellie’s story

Hello! I’m Ellie and I’m studying a Level 3 Craft Bricklayer apprenticeship with On Site Bristol. And I am On Site Bristol’s 2026 Apprentice of the Year!

But that’s jumping ahead. I wanted to talk a bit more about my journey to become an apprentice.

It all started when I attended an open evening for On Site Bristol with my parents. I remember feeling nervous to go, but I knew I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a bricklayer. Once there, I met one of On Site Bristol’s training officers and an employer, who talked me through how to apply for an apprenticeship, how the process would work, what it would be like, and what to expect. That conversation motivated me and helped build my confidence. I knew then that I could do it and successfully become an apprentice.

I was concerned that, as a female, I might not fit in. But attending the open evening reassured me that this would not be the case and that I would be treated with respect. I completed my application online and left the open-evening feeling excited and motivated to become an apprentice bricklayer.

I sat an assessment and passed! Then came the interview, which I also passed. My CV then got sent to the same employer I’d met at the open evening. I did another interview which led to me being offered the position of apprentice bricklayer. It felt a lot for a 16-year-old, and I remember being nervous, but looking back now I can’t believe how far I have come.

I was ready to start work. It felt overwhelming – I had no idea what to do on my first day and climbing the ladder onto the scaffolding really scared me. But everyone treated me so well and really helped to build my confidence and self-esteem whilst I was still learning the basics.

I can still remember laying my first bricks on site – I was worried that I might make a mistake! Reflecting on that moment now, I can see just how much has changed in a few years. Today, I’m much more able to complete more challenging decorative and feature brickwork to a high standard. In some cases, to a higher standard than bricklayers who have been on site for years! I’m much more able to keep up with everyone else now. I’m really proud of that.

I’m in my third year now and I feel much more confident taking on any challenge on site. I can build complex decorative panels on expensive houses to a very high standard, and to know that my work will probably still be there for the rest of my lifetime and beyond makes me feel amazing. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from the start to the end of my apprenticeship. It’s really enabled me to grow to the person I am today.

I’ve just celebrated my 19th birthday and I cannot believe how far I’ve come. I can drive; I’ve got my own car; I’m winning competitions and I’ve already been offered new job opportunities to expand my career. I can confidently say that I can build a house, flats and a garage from a drawing, and complete everything to the correct specifications. In the future, I could set up my own business as a subcontract bricklaying contractor, or I could go into management. For now, though, I want to continue working and complete my Level 3 Craft Bricklayer apprenticeship.

That leads me to talking about my win!

It felt amazing to be recognised for my work. I was presented my award by the Lord Mayor of Bristol and it was for my commitment, professionalism and technical ability throughout my apprenticeship.

I am also the Guild of Bricklayers South West 2026 Regional Champion! I didn’t go on to win the Golden Trowel Award at the National Finals this time around, but that’s ok. I got 4th place and was highly commended, which still feels like a huge achievement.

Julie Bush, Ellie’s Mum, has also seen the impact of the apprenticeship journey first-hand. She said:

“I have been so impressed by the support and training that On Site Bristol have provided to my daughter. She met Mark, her Training Officer, for the very first time at the open evening three years ago and he stated that he would look after her and ensure that she had a good training experience. Well, all that I can say is that he is a man of his word. He has been there all the way and she has come so far. I would recommend On Site Bristol to anyone, and I have now encouraged my other daughter to apply to become a painter and decorator.”

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On Site Bristol is a specialist training provider offering apprenticeship programmes in construction trades. It’s a scheme that works with people looking to take their first steps into a career in the construction industry.

Visit our website for more information about On Site Bristol and what we do.