Sam Rushworth MP returns to Gleeson’s Bracks Farm development in collaboration with Bishop Auckland College
Gleeson Homes, the affordable and high‑quality housebuilder, was delighted to welcome back Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, to its Bracks Farm development in County Durham on Friday 4th July.
Accompanied by three students and staff from Bishop Auckland College, the return visit gave students a hands-on introduction to bricklaying and career pathways in the construction industry, reinforcing trades as a viable career considering the UK’s current trade skills shortage.
The visit opened with a discussion between the college students, their tutors, and Gleeson colleagues on what motivates young people towards choosing a career in construction. The students spoke enthusiastically about learning a craft with their hands, working outdoors and the strong earning potential, and explored how many bricklayers progress to roles such as Site Manager or Estimator. Darren Howell, Regional Managing Director at Gleeson Homes, provided an overview of Gleeson’s apprenticeship programmes as a gateway into the sector.
The group toured the show homes at the development to see the finished product before heading onto the active build site. For the students in attendance, this was their first opportunity to lay bricks and mortar on site – an experience they described as both challenging and rewarding, knowing the walls they build will become someone’s home one day. Sam Rushworth MP himself also donned a hard hat and personal protective equipment to participate in the bricklaying activities.
By bringing together policymakers, educators and aspiring tradespeople, the event underlined Gleeson Homes’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction talent. It demonstrated that with hands-on experience, clear progression routes and strong industry‑education partnerships, a career in the trades is not only achievable but essential to delivering Britain’s future homes.
“It was fantastic to return to Bracks Farm and get stuck in with bricks and mortar alongside students from Bishop Auckland College. There’s no substitute for experiencing the craft first hand. Collaborations such as this are crucial in ensuring we inspire the next generation of tradespeople and tackle the skills shortage head-on.”
“Welcoming Sam Rushworth MP back alongside students from Bishop Auckland College was a real highlight. Our apprenticeship programme equips young people with tangible skills and clear progression routes – today’s bricklaying session perfectly illustrates the hands on learning that is required to ensure that our industry thrives.”
“Our students left inspired by the practical experience and the breadth of opportunities within construction. Seeing them engage so enthusiastically with Sam Rushworth MP, Darren and the rest of the site team underlines the value of industry partnerships and demonstrates the career pathways available through opportunities such as this site visit.”
For more information about Bracks Farm visit: https://gleesonhomes.co.uk/developments/bracks-farm.
To find out more about Gleeson Homes and its ongoing community commitments, please visit: www.gleesonhomes.co.uk
