Story posted: 11/02/2026
A year on from completing a key stage of his apprenticeship, Oli Staines continues to prove that his place in the construction industry is built on hard work, commitment, and skill, not just his surname.
Now 20, Oli has completed his Level 2 NVQ Apprenticeship and passed his End Point Assessment (EPA), marking an important milestone in his journey as a professional bricklayer. Over the past year, he has continued to develop his technical abilities while gaining valuable experience across live construction sites.
Oli worked on Sempra Homes developments in Basildon through to the completion of the brickwork towards the end of last year. During this time, he played an active role on site, learning to deliver quality work to the programme while working alongside experienced trades and supervisors.
Currently, Oli is continuing his development on a development in Brentwood, expanding his experience across different sites and project teams. He is now in the advanced stage of his training, working towards the next phase of his career.
Looking ahead, Oli will be progressing towards a Level 3 NVQ in Bricklaying and Supervising, alongside Site Supervisor Safety Training. His long-term ambition is to move into a supervisory and management role and, in time, help lead GSQ Brickwork Ltd alongside his brothers.
Despite being part of a family-run business, Oli has always been clear about wanting to earn his place on site.
“I don’t want special treatment,” he says. “I want to be judged on the quality of my work and how hard I’m willing to learn. That’s always been important to me.”
Melanie Keys, Services Manager at Sempra Homes, said, “Oli’s journey is a great example of how apprenticeships help develop not only technical skills but professionalism and confidence on site. He has shown real determination to progress on his own merits, and that attitude is exactly what the industry needs. At Sempra Homes, we are proud to support apprentices who are committed to building long-term careers in construction.”
Mentorship has continued to play a key role in Oli’s development, with guidance from experienced bricklayers and site teams helping him refine his approach. Over time, he has learned the importance of planning, precision, and quality, understanding that speed comes with experience.
As he continues to grow in confidence and capability, Oli’s journey shows how apprenticeships can create strong foundations for future supervisors, managers, and business leaders.
For Sempra Homes, Oli’s progress is a clear example of how investing in apprenticeships helps secure the future of the construction industry, developing talent that is skilled, motivated, and ready to lead.
The future is bright for Oli, and his journey is only just getting started.
