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[ Bricking It Graphical Version | Home | News | Completion Bonus | Talking Points | The Tasks | The Experts | News |Training & Courses | Employers | The Build | Royal Arsenal | On TV | About Bricking It | Links | Credits |
David Edwards | Greg Males | Hannah Lacey | Lauren Courtney | Laurence Cunningham | Sophia 'Soaps' Perowne | Zac Rodes | Greg Santos | Ricky Crawford | Dan Wright
Laurence Cunningham
Laurence feels he's stuck in a rut. Currently unemployed, he's only had short-term jobs as a pizza delivery boy and retail salesman. These unfulfilling jobs are in sharp contrast to those of his mates who are enjoying the benefits of learning a trade. Dropping out of A-levels, he is determined to go the distance on Bricking It, as apprenticeships are hard to come by - Laurence has been looking for an apprenticeship for the last 2 years and hasn't been successful.
Quick Facts
Age: 18
Home Town: Hertfordshire
Ambition: To get an apprenticeship and start up his own business
Looking Back Interview
Channel 4: Did Bricking It live up to your expectations?
Laurence: I thought it would be more fun than it was; there was a lot of stress and aggravation. A lot was expected of us but I learned all that I thought I would and more. I have come away with a good understanding of plumbing as well as skills in electrics, carpentry and plaster boarding.
Channel 4: What was the best thing about Bricking It?
Laurence: The plumbing – its what I wanted to do originally
and it still is. We did moan and groan but looking back at the plumbing
I did, it is such a great achievement. I enjoyed working with the
master craftsmen, watching some of them work was brilliant. They are
at the top of their game.
Channel 4: And the worst thing?
Laurence: Phil was sometimes harsh and at the time I though
it was unnecessary. Now I realise he did want the best for us, he
is a good guy and I respect him. I got on with Ricky well and it was
a shame to lose him. We needed as many people as possible and him
leaving was breaking up the group.
Channel 4: What was your high point?
Laurence: Getting my apprenticeship was by far the best part.
I enjoyed having interviews, speaking with people and showing them
my work. When I received my job offers, and I was successful with
both of the companies that interviewed me, it was fantastic.
Channel 4: And your low point?
Laurence: Missing the sign off for the decorating was disappointing. We thought Andy Carson might just about pass it but he said all the decorating had failed – it just wasn't good enough. It was a high quality design and some of the colours that were chosen were difficult to work with. After only seven weeks of painting experience it was quite a tall order.
Channel 4: What do you think you'll do now?
Laurence: I start work on a Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing
in January. I will do a block release at college studying an NVQ in
plumbing.
Channel 4: Any advice on working in construction?
Laurence: Keep trying – I got a break but I was lucky. If you want to do it, give it your all and something will come up. Go through the yellow pages and call up construction firms – I would call and ask if I could just come along and watch.
Channel 4: And finally…
Laurence: A big shout out to everyone I've worked with and thanks for a great time. Big up yourself!
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