Yahoo News Newcastle teen qualifes as a bricklayer overcoming childhood ‘in and out of care’
A Newcastle care leaver has been celebrating his success of passing his apprenticeship and receiving a full time job offer in construction.
Tyler Mudie, 18, who has previously spoken about overcoming a challenging childhood “in and out of care”, has passed his Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship this week, that he spent the last 19 months working towards.
Tyler's apprenticeship was based at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Training Hub in Scotswood. He completed training on site at ‘The Rise’, a project delivered by New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat.
He began his apprenticeship with Keepmoat, a top 10 UK housebuilder, in 2022, after listening to an inspiring talk from representative, Geoff Scott, at a school-organised careers event. He explained: “I attended a SEND school in Newcastle, and the talk on apprenticeships helped confirm it was the right path for me.”
Tyler spoke of his time growing up in care: “Securing an apprenticeship was daunting at first. My care worker was amazing at helping me find my routine and settle into my new work life though, I can’t thank her enough!
“I love building and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a finished home and knowing I had a part in its creation, that makes me very proud. I feel I am learning so much. My social skills and organisation have hugely improved off the back of my apprenticeship.”
Geoff Scott, Keepmoat’s Social Value Manager, and Tyler's mentor at the NHBC training hub, said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Tyler... From when he first registered his interest in the business to him completing his end point assessment, I’ve been honoured to see him grow and really get stuck into his training.”
He added: “This hard-working, committed, and motivated young man has overcome adversity and he’s an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to seeing him continue his journey at Keepmoat.”
In 2023, Tyler also came runner-up in the UK Young Builder of the Year Award hosted, in the House of Commons. The annual event celebrates those who have overcome barriers and gone on to secure training or employment in the construction industry.
Keepmoat’s apprenticeship schemes offer a range of vocational courses created to provide long-term career paths and increase future opportunities. Darryl Stewart, responsible for NHBC’s apprenticeship training programmes said: “Courses are designed with input from across the industry and leading experts.”
Skills shortage and construction worker demand has been a prominent issue in the industry the past few years. As Darryl added: “Tyler has achieved great things and is a fantastic example of how NHBC’s house-building apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to the more traditional educational routes.”
Tyler, now equipped with skills for life, is excited to get stuck into a challenge as he takes on his new role as Trainee Site Manager. “I'm extremely grateful to the Keepmoat team for helping me be successful in this journey.”
