May 2025 Inspiration: Andy Lees

Andy completed his 4-year brickwork apprenticeship in 1997 and he then continued to work for a number of house builders across the West Midlands before, before he was appointed to his first full-time brickwork lecturer role at North Birmingham College in 2006.

After a successful introduction to the world of training, Andy moved to Walsall College in 2007 and continued evidencing the passion for the craft and an ability to motivate and inspire students that earmarked him for a series of promotions in quick succession, enabling his advancement through the organisation..

With wider recognition of his leadership qualities in managing high quality construction training programmes, Andy was able to secure roles with increasing responsibility across a number of institutions in the West Midlands, Andy has really made a significant impact in the training and education sector. He is currently the Senior Director for Curriculum and Innovation and the Director for Construction at Birmingham Metropolitan college.

Andy has been pivotal in leading and supporting curriculum change and evolving qualifications across the post 16 sector. He is also a City and Guilds Lead Independent End Point Assessor for bricklayer standards.

Andy is a strong advocate for wide reaching and durable collaboration with industry stakeholders and he is a go to partner for many of the leading companies working across the region and nationally.

Andy’s focus on quality provision is up there with the best and he is also extremely focused in supporting bricklayers who are seeking to transition into I role within education and skills.

BTTB is proud to recognise Andy as the inspiration for May.