Masonry Association Welcomes Government’s Commitment to Technical Education from Age 14
The Masonry Association has welcomed the Government’s announcement that technical education will become a central part of the curriculum for young people from the age of 14, describing the move as a significant step towards addressing the construction skills crisis and restoring parity between academic and vocational learning. Under the new proposals, pupils will be […]
Andy Burnham’s First Week: Reasons for Optimism Across the Masonry Sector
The first week of Andy Burnham’s premiership has certainly caught the attention of the construction industry. While many of the Government’s long-term plans are still to be unveiled, the early signals point towards an agenda centred on housing delivery, regional investment, skills and devolved decision-making – all areas that have the potential to positively influence […]
Sustainability and Masonry: Building for Future Generations
Sustainability has become one of the most important considerations in modern construction, and the masonry industry continues to demonstrate why it remains a key contributor to environmentally responsible building practices. Masonry materials are recognised for their durability, longevity and ability to deliver buildings that require minimal maintenance over many decades. When designed and constructed correctly, […]
Masonry Association Delivers CITB Refresher Training Across Five PLF Sites
Over the past two weeks, the Masonry Association has been working with PLF to deliver CITB Short Duration Training across five sites in Wigan, Manchester and Cheshire. Training was delivered to 40 operatives, covering two specialist courses: Installing Fire Breaks and Barriers Specialist DPC Systems The majority of the programme consisted of refresher training. As […]
Working Safely During Hot Weather
With another spell of hot weather forecast, it’s a good time to remind ourselves that the biggest risk on site isn’t just the sun – it’s the effect heat has on our bodies, concentration and the quality of our work. Stay Safe on Site Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, […]
MAGB Response to CITB’s 2026–27 Business Plan
CITB’s newly published Business Plan for 2026–27 represents a significant shift in how construction skills funding and workforce development will be approached over the coming years. At the centre of the Plan is a much stronger focus on competence, workforce capability and productivity. CITB has clearly recognised that the construction skills challenge is no longer […]
UK Brick Prices Surge as Supply Pressures and Energy Costs Hit Construction Sector
UK brick prices are climbing sharply once again, adding fresh pressure to housebuilders, contractors and homeowners already grappling with rising construction costs. Industry data and supplier updates suggest the latest wave of increases is being driven by a combination of higher energy prices, supply chain disruption and weakening domestic brick production. Manufacturers and merchants across […]
£1 Billion Apprenticeship Boost to Support 50,000 Young People
The UK Government has announced a major £1 billion investment aimed at helping 50,000 more young people access apprenticeships and high-quality training opportunities over the next three years, as part of a wider push to tackle youth unemployment and close skills gaps across key industries. The funding package forms part of the Government’s broader reforms […]
Eve Livett Appointed Junior Vice President of the Guild of Bricklayers
The Masonry Association of Great Britain is proud to announce that Chief Executive Eve Livett has been appointed Junior Vice President of the Guild of Bricklayers — marking a significant milestone both personally and for the wider masonry sector. Eve becomes the first woman to hold a leadership position within the Guild, reflecting the evolving […]
Masonry Association Launches Industry Survey on Cavity Barrier Installation
The Masonry Association Technical Committee has launched a new industry-wide survey to better understand the real-world challenges and best practices associated with the installation of compression-fit cavity barriers. This initiative forms part of the Association’s ongoing work to bridge the gap between technical guidance and practical site application—a key theme identified by members across the […]