Introducing the McCrory Strong Foundations Scheme
Following the launch of our Strong Foundations announcement video, we’re proud to share a deeper look into what this new apprenticeship support programme means for our team.
At McCrory Brickwork, apprenticeships have always been a key part of how we grow as a business. Many of our team started their careers on the tools, learning the trade the right way and progressing through the company over time. The Strong Foundations Scheme has been developed to build on that approach, adding more structure, more support, and a clearer pathway for every apprentice coming through.
This is about giving our apprentices the best possible start and making sure they have everything they need to succeed, both now and in the future.
A More Structured Approach to Apprenticeships
Our apprentices continue to follow the traditional model of spending four days per week on site and one day at college. What the Strong Foundations Scheme does is strengthen everything around that structure.
Each apprentice will now benefit from a more joined-up approach, where their development is consistently supported across site, college, and the wider business. The aim is simple, help them improve faster, build confidence and stay on track throughout their apprenticeship.
A key part of the scheme is the introduction of a dedicated McCrory mentor for every apprentice. This mentor works alongside the site team and provides consistent guidance, helping apprentices understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve.
Alongside this, apprentices will take part in regular monthly check-ins, as well as more in-depth quarterly reviews. These sessions create time to step back from the day to day work, reflect on progress, and set clear goals moving forward.
A Clear Skills Roadmap
One of the biggest additions within the Strong Foundations Scheme is the introduction of a structured skills roadmap.
This roadmap outlines what each apprentice should be learning, when they should be developing those skills, and how their progress will be tracked over time. It gives apprentices a clear understanding of where they are in their journey and what they need to focus on next.
To ensure this aligns with their academic development, the roadmap has been created in collaboration with Salford City College. This means that what apprentices are learning on site directly supports what they are studying at college, creating a more connected and effective learning experience.
A Longstanding Partnership with Salford College
We have worked closely with Salford City College for many years, supporting the development of bricklaying apprentices and helping bring new talent into the industry.
That relationship has always been an important part of how we operate, and we’re incredibly proud to be building on it further through the Strong Foundations Scheme. By working more closely together, we can ensure apprentices are fully supported both practically and academically.
This partnership allows us to identify any gaps early, provide the right support at the right time, and give apprentices the best chance of completing their qualifications with confidence.
Supporting Apprentices Beyond the Tools
While technical ability is a huge part of becoming a skilled bricklayer, we know that development goes beyond just the work on site.
That’s why the Strong Foundations Scheme also focuses on the individual. Apprentices will have access to support not just professionally, but personally as well, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and stay motivated throughout their journey.
Paula Norton, Sales & Aftercare Manager, added:
“My role is to support each apprentice as an individual. Whether that’s something on site, something at college, or something personal they might be dealing with, I’m there to help them through it and make sure they stay on track.”
This additional layer of support ensures that no apprentice feels isolated and that everyone has someone to turn to when they need it.
A Practical, Day-to-Day Approach
For us, this isn’t just a concept it’s something that will be embedded into everyday working life.
Gerry Ahmed, Head of Operations, said:
“Day to day, it’s about making sure our apprentices are supported properly on site, that they’re learning at the right pace, and that they’ve always got someone there to guide them. This scheme gives us that structure to keep them on track and help them build confidence as they develop.”
This practical approach ensures the scheme delivers real value, not just in theory, but in how apprentices experience their work every day.
Building Careers for the Future
The Strong Foundations Scheme is built around a simple belief, if you invest in people properly, they will go on to build successful careers.
By bringing together site experience, college learning, and structured support, we’re creating an environment where apprentices can thrive.
This is about more than just training bricklayers. It’s about developing confident, capable individuals who can grow within the industry and become the next generation of skilled professionals.
And for us, that’s what really matters.
