Student voice: Why I love learning at EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre 

In this blog, we catch up with some of our Plastering and Bricklaying learners who have excelled during their time at EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre. 

David – Completed Level 2 Bricklaying  

David is currently on our Bricklaying course with the hope to renovate a property he owns. Previously David completed a Welding course at EKC Canterbury College and hopes to complete the Plastering course at EKC Civil Engineering Train Centre in the future.  

When we asked David why he chose to complete the Bricklaying course he told us: “It’s a fascinating opportunity for me, having been left a large derelict property owned by the family for many years, but now it’s in a sad state of disrepair. There’s an opportunity for me to learn the skills to begin the renovation and reconstruction, to bring it back up to habitable state. 

 
“I like to be a hands-on man and even the things that I may not be able to do, I have learnt the techniques to enable me to supervise others and know what’s going on so that I will feel happier about the finished product. 

 
“There have been a couple of weeks of classroom work devoted to learning about health and safety regulations and various technical things associated with brickwork. But for the last couple of weeks, I’ve actually been in the yard laying bricks, which is a key to it all after all. 

 
“I would like to come back at some stage and do the plastering course. When I get to that stage where it’s necessary, because I’ve seen the progress that people have made and there’s nothing nicer than seeing a smooth finish on what was, a rather decrepit looking brick wall beforehand. 

“We have excellent instruction overseen at every stage of the operation and feel very confident that the work that we do is up to scratch. I’m progressing very well towards my own ends, so I feel capable of taking on the project that I have.” 

Rob – Completed Level 2 Bricklaying and Level 2 Plastering 

 
Rob joined EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre as a Bricklaying student, he had some experience working with his family on site but wanted to be fully trained.  

Impressing the tutors at the centre with his determination and perseverance, on completion of his course Rob was offered a job as a Bricklaying Skills Practitioner. He is now an essential part of the team.  
 

When we asked Rob about his experience at EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre, he told us: “I have never had a job before other than working with my family. I came to the centre to complete the Bricklaying course and once I completed my course I was offered the role as a Skills Practitioner, this was a great opportunity for me.  
 
“Along with this role, I am currently studying the Plastering course, so I have additional skills for my future.  

“I recently brought a pickup truck and plan to use this to complete some jobs for friends and family. This may grow into a business, I already have a job lined up to complete some landscaping!” 

Johnathan – Completed Level 2 Bricklaying and Level 2 Plastering 

Johnathan joined EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre after a long career in high end fashion. He wanted to learn something new and begin a new chapter in his life. With his newfound skills Johnathan plans to renovate houses.  

We asked Johnathan if he would recommend this course to other students, here is what he told us: “I would recommend this course to anyone, I have really enjoyed my time at the Centre. It has been great to see my progression and it is clear the Centre cares about sustainability.  
 
“My background is in high end fashion and retail so this has been a completely new venture for me. It was daunting at the start but with the support from our tutors and my drive to succeed, I’ve had a really positive experience. 
 
“In the future, I would like to own my own business in renovating or landscaping, so the skills I have learnt at the centre give me a solid foundation to build on” 

Michael – Completed L2 Bricklaying and L2 Plastering 

Micheal came to EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre having previously owned his own business, he ended up leaving the trade after the Covid 19 pandemic and spent some time with his children. He joined the Bricklaying course to refresh his skills ready to jump back into the industry.    

  
We asked Michael about his time at EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre, here is what he told us: “It has been great to be back on the tools and learning some new skills along the way. I am hoping this course will be a stepping stone back into industry and eventually I would like to own my own multi trades business. 
 
“Will, my tutor, is the best thing about the course. I was anxious about coming back in education due to previous experience, but Will has a laid-back attitude. If you are stuck, he finds another way to help you understand. There is a very supportive environment here and it has been much better than I expected.” 

No matter your background, age, or reason for joining us, our Bricklaying and Plastering courses are designed to support you every step of the way. With no prior experience needed, and a welcoming environment led by experienced tutors, you’ll fit right in.  

Ready to get started? Apply now and start building your future.