Michelmersh created its “Pledge 100” initiative in 2020, donating over 100,000 products to educational facilities across the UK. The manufacturer aims to support the training of the next generation of bricklayers, engineers or designers, passionate about starting a career in the construction industry. During the first few years of the decade, it was clear there was a shortage of youths applying for skilled labour qualifications on top of heavily reduced education budgets within existing college courses. Michelmersh was happy to offer vital assistance to bricklaying colleges with the goal of revitalising the sector by helping to reduce the deficit caused by the cost of supplies whilst also broadening the range of products available to students.
After seeing vocational careers stall further due to the impact of COVID-19, Michelmersh was happy to get back on track and provide bricks to institutions all over the UK to ensure students can learn the appropriate skills necessary to become the craftspeople of tomorrow. In 2021 the Michelmersh Group raised the profile of the pledge by including the 100,000 product donation target as a non-financial key performance indicator for the business. This year, Michelmersh was able to donate bricks to 14 educational and skill-building facilities across the UK, and offering clay to multiple charitable initiatives.
“Receiving these bricks will massively help our bricklaying students progress in their qualifications. The quality of bricks you donated will let our learners get a feel of what they’ll be using when they go onto site. Myself, all bricklaying staff and our students are extremely grateful and we can’t thank you enough!”
Owen Sanders, Technician, South Staffordshire College
“With the addition of the donation of bricks through the Michelmersh Pledge 100 scheme, we have been able to extend our Students’ knowledge and skills with the use of contrasting bricks in our synoptic tests for Technical qualifications. Varied brick textures and finishes allowed our students to experience and develop bricklaying techniques.
Graeme Shaw, Construction Curriculum Lead, Furness College
This donation will ensure we are using the highest quality materials, helping our students build confidence and take pride in their work. While it maybe a humble brick to some it will mean the world to our learners and staff within construction here Bournemouth and Poole College.
Ian Bartlett, Lecturer in Brickwork, Bournemouth and Poole College
By doing its part to help the talented bricklayers of tomorrow, Michelmersh helps ensure that brick will continue playing a vital role as the construction industry’s “go-to” sustainable, durable and reliable building material. In addition to clay bricks, Michelmersh donates learning materials such as; “The Guide to Successful Brickwork”, banners, posters and offers CPD sessions to colleges.
Pledge 100, is heavily in demand and already has a large waiting list of deserving colleges into 2025, however, the Michelmersh team are always delighted to hear from you. If your educational facility is looking to be added to the list of future recipients, please contact: marketing@mbhplc.co.uk
