Bailey Long, Contracts Manager

Bailey Long, 28, from Staffordshire, completed a Brickwork apprenticeship after leaving school. What started as a route into a trade has developed into a successful career in construction. Today, Bailey works as a Contracts Manager, overseeing major brickwork projects across the Midlands after progressing through roles including bricklayer, foreman and project manager. 

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn a trade. I knew I wanted to work in construction and an apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain practical experience while learning on the job. Looking back, it was the right decision for me because it provided a direct route into an industry I was passionate about. 

Did you always know you wanted to work in construction?

My dad was a bricklayer, so construction was something I grew up around. From an early age, I was interested in following a similar path and, while I was still at school, I was already thinking about the opportunities available in the industry. Seeing the range of careers and progression opportunities within construction made it a sector I wanted to be part of. My dad has always been my biggest role model. 

What was the apprenticeship experience like?

I really enjoyed my apprenticeship and learned lots of different skills that I still use today.

Although I completed a Brickwork apprenticeship, I was also exposed to other areas of construction, including carpentry, groundworks and drylining. That broader experience helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of how projects come together and gave me skills that would support me throughout my career. 

One of the biggest highlights was simply learning new things every day. Being on site and gaining hands-on experience taught me lessons that you can only really learn by doing. 

What skills did you gain from your apprenticeship?

Alongside technical skills, I developed valuable workplace skills such as teamwork and punctuality.

Those early experiences helped me understand the importance of working effectively with others, being reliable and taking responsibility for my work. They're skills I've relied on throughout every stage of my career, from working on site to managing projects and teams. 

How did your apprenticeship help shape your career?

The apprenticeship gave me a strong foundation and helped me take my first steps into the industry.

After completing it, I went straight into work as a self-employed bricklayer on major construction sites at 18. From there, I progressed into a working foreman role, then project management and eventually into my current role as a Contracts Manager. 

When I look back, the apprenticeship gave me more than a trade. It gave me the skills, experience and confidence to continue developing and progressing throughout my career. 

What appeals to you about the construction sector?

For me, it was the opportunity to build a rewarding career and work my way up.

Construction is an industry where there are lots of opportunities to progress if you're willing to learn, develop your skills and take on new challenges. What starts as one role can lead to many different career paths, which is something I've experienced first-hand. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

I aspire to become a director of the company I work for.

My career has already taken me further than I could have imagined when I first started my apprenticeship, and I'm keen to keep learning, developing and progressing within the industry. 

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I'd recommend an apprenticeship 100%.

If you're thinking about your next step, you don't need to have everything planned out straight away. An apprenticeship can help you build practical skills, gain experience and discover where your strengths can take you.

For me, it opened the door to a career that has continued to evolve over the years. Taking that first step after school gave me the foundations to build a career I'm proud of, and I'd encourage others to explore the opportunities available to them too. 

Explore apprenticeships, T Levels, routes into work and other technical education options through the UK government’s jobs and skills website and discover where your next step could take you.

If you’re not sure about your next steps and need support, advice or someone to talk things through with, the National Careers Service can help. Please visit: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk