Our real life stories - Blayk’s Story
From Placement to Apprentice: Welcoming Blayk to Team Baxall
We’re always delighted when work experience turns into a long-term opportunity, and that’s exactly what’s happened for Blayk, who recently joined Baxall as an Apprentice Site Manager with Team 2.
Blayk first joined us in January 2024 as part of his NVQ Level 3 T-Level in Onsite Construction, specialising in Carpentry, fulfilling his designated 45 days site experience. Blayk continued his placement with Baxall and over the course of 18 months, he worked closely with our site teams, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and a greater appreciation, and understanding of what makes a successful project.
During his placement, Blayk particularly enjoyed being part of a team that truly embodied the Baxall motto: “Buildings built on teamwork.” He witnessed first-hand, how a strong team ethic and collaborative approach, consistently delivered high-quality designs and projects to satisfied clients, especially during his time on our project at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Deal, delivering the first carbon net zero school in operation in Kent. Inspired by the professionalism and camaraderie, Blayk was more determined to continue his journey in construction with Baxall.
Now employed as an apprentice site manager, Blayk is eager to continue his journey and to contribute to the different types of work that meets client expectations, but also benefits the wider community. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and understanding of the Baxall values make him a fantastic addition to the business.
We’re extremely proud to welcome Blayk, this time not as a student, but as an apprentice site manager and valued member of Team Baxall.
Our real life stories - Faith’s Story
T-Level Student Returns to Baxall for a Second Placement
At Baxall, we’re proud to support the next generation of construction professionals through hands-on experience. Recently, our team at Francis Barber was contacted by Southbank Technical College with a short-notice request to accommodate T-Level students in need of placements. Rising to the challenge, we were pleased to welcome four students on a four-week on-site placement, including a familiar face.
Faith, a T-Level student in Design, Surveying and Planning, returned to Baxall for her second-year placement, having completed her first-year placement with Team 3 on our Iqra project. She was delighted to be back and continue her journey with us as she approaches the end of her course this summer.
When asked what brought her back, Faith shared that the teamwork and supportive atmosphere at Baxall made a lasting impression, especially after experiencing a less enjoyable placement elsewhere. Her enthusiasm for construction and her commitment to learning have been clear throughout both placements.
During her first placement at Iqra, which was nearing completion at the time, Faith took a keen interest in sustainability. Her efforts culminated in an impressive presentation focusing on the project’s environmental approach. Now at Francis Barber, she’s experiencing the project at an earlier phase, groundworks, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle.
This time, Faith’s end-of-placement presentation will focus on how project teams meet Employer Requirements, and we’re looking forward to hearing her insights. She also had the opportunity to attend a presentation on estimating by Richard Fairhall, deepening her understanding of the commercial side of construction.
Faith aspires to become a Quantity Surveyor on the contractor’s side, and her time at Baxall has only strengthened her commitment to a future in construction. We’re proud to have been part of her journey, and who knows, we may welcome her back again one day in a new role!
