GRAHAM is celebrating the success of Beacon Programme delegate Rory Flynn, who has secured a Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship with supply chain partner Kinlan Brickwork following a successful work experience placement on Latimer’s Brewery Gardens site in Manchester.
The apprenticeship will be delivered as a joint venture between GRAHAM and Kinlan Brickwork, marking the first trades-focused joint venture apprenticeship programme delivered by GRAHAM. Rory will receive day-to-day site-based training and practical experience from the brickwork specialist while working on the Boddingtons development.
Rory participated in GRAHAM’s Beacon Programme, an initiative designed to support neurodivergent and Special Educational Needs (SEN) students by providing meaningful industry experience and pathways into employment. Through the programme, Rory undertook work experience on-site at Boddingtons, a £110m regeneration of the former Boddingtons Brewery site, delivering 505 new homes on behalf of Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, where he gained hands-on experience across a range of construction activities.
During his placement, Rory spent time working alongside the brickwork specialist. His enthusiasm, commitment to learning and natural aptitude for the trade quickly impressed the team, leading Kinlan to offer him a Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship through the traditional two-year route.
Dominic Rossi, Part Owner/Construction Director at Kinlan Brickwork, said:
From the moment we met Rory during his visit to the Boddingtons site through the Beacon Programme, he impressed us with his enthusiasm, willingness to learn and positive attitude. We have high hopes for Rory and look forward to seeing him develop into a skilled bricklayer over the coming years.
Supporting apprentices is a key part of our business, and we’re proud to help the next generation build successful careers in construction by giving talented young people opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
A particular thank you goes out to the GRAHAM team and the considerable efforts they go to within the community to allow such rewarding schemes to take place.
The apprenticeship will see Rory spend four days each week gaining practical site experience with Kinlan Brickwork on the Boddingtons project, while attending Stockport College one day per week to complete the academic element of his training.
This significant milestone demonstrates the impact that targeted employability and inclusion programmes can have in helping talented individuals overcome barriers and access rewarding careers in construction. Rory’s journey from work experience to apprenticeship highlights the value of collaboration between employers, education providers and supply chain partners in creating sustainable pathways into skilled employment.
Stephen Van Den Hoek, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said:
We are incredibly proud of Rory and everything he has achieved through his involvement in our Beacon Programme. His apprenticeship opportunity with Kinlan Brickwork is a direct result of the programme and demonstrates what can be achieved when employers create inclusive pathways into the construction industry.
At GRAHAM, supporting neurodiversity in the workforce forms an important part of our wider ESG agenda. We recognise that diverse teams bring different perspectives, skills and strengths, and we are committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to realise their potential.
We look forward to seeing him continue to develop throughout his apprenticeship journey.
Rory’s mum, Kelly, said:
Never in a million years could I put into words how proud we are of Rory. To see him be chosen by his apprenticeship company is such a huge achievement and just shows what kind of young man he’s becoming. One very proud family cheering him on every step of the way.
The apprenticeship not only marks a significant personal achievement for Rory but also demonstrates how GRAHAM and its partners, like Latimer, are helping to build a more inclusive construction sector by creating genuine pathways into skilled employment for neurodivergent individuals and those with SEND backgrounds.