• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Wednesday February 19 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bricklayer cements reputation with Apprenticeship Award

An apprentice bricklayer has cemented his reputation as he builds his career after being named Apprentice of the Year.

The accolade was awarded at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Apprenticeship Awards.

Brickie Mantas Janulionis, who works for T&B Developments near Malmesbury, said: “Winning was a shock but I feel really proud.”

He said bricklaying had been an obvious choice of career. “I always knew I wanted to do something physical so I started it and I loved it and had a talent for it,” he said. “I pursued it and it has gone really well for me.

“I like the fact you can learn on the job with an apprenticeship. I’ve had great support and I like working with the older guys. Just gathering as much information as I can from them, trying to soak it all in has just been brilliant.”

The college works with around 1,000 employers, supporting more than 2,000 apprentices in more than 70 subject areas.

Among the awards for employers was Munich Motorworks in Salisbury, which was named Small Apprentice Employer.

The firm was set up by Karen and Stuart Musselwhite during lockdown in 2020 after Karen was made redundant. One of their first acts was to take on Archie Smith, 20, on work experience and he was Apprentice of the Year for Level 2 Autocare Technician.

The Avenue Primary School and Children’s Centre in Warminster won the Medium Apprentice Employer of the Year award, while housing association Aster Group (pictured) won the Large Apprentice Employer award.

Martin Reeves, director of business development at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said: “Aster has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting apprentices, providing invaluable opportunities for those facing unexpected challenges.

“When two apprentices were left without employers, Aster stepped in to offer them both employment and a chance to complete its training programmes.

“Aster’s dedication to nurturing talent extends beyond employment. The housing association has created a safe, welcoming and well-equipped environment where apprentices can thrive.

“By offering the necessary time, resources and mentorship they have empowered learners to succeed. Aster’s outstanding support and commitment to developing future talent makes them a valued partner.”

Jessica Scull, Aster Group’s apprenticeship and early careers lead, said: “Our apprenticeship programme plays a vital role in maintaining the pipeline of skilled people the Group needs coming up through the business.

“So, to be recognised by Wiltshire College & University Centre as the ‘Large Business Apprentice Employer of the Year’ is a huge endorsement of our programme.

“Collaborating with Wiltshire College & University Centre has been a truly enriching experience. We are grateful to the assessors and everyone working behind the scenes and appreciate their unwavering support and encouragement throughout our apprentices’ journeys.”

The guest speaker at the event was Nicole Fever, a former apprentice at the college and now an engineer at Cavendish Nuclear on Hinkley Point C.

The college set itself the target of recruiting 100 apprentices in 100 days to mark National Apprenticeship Week last week.