The Bricklaying Show

Ash Mahoney asks a big question: are we teaching bricklaying the right way?

Joining Ash on this episode is Fix Radio legend and building trade icon Clive Holland, who questions whether the old-school general builder mindset may be disappearing.

Other guests include Christian Hatherall-Good, who is a leader in delivering UK apprenticeships, as well as Jack Dawson - who is experienced in teaching the trade.

Ash Mahoney has been back on-site and is about six weeks into his work so far. Ash talks to Jason Dunsford who has about 15 gangs working on-site currently and finds out how he's finding the current site experiences with his Bricklayers and Groundworkers. Charlie Collison joins Ash so that Ash can share what he's observed with regards to how site work is now and compares notes with Charlie.

Rob Songer is back on to talk about mentoring young Bricklayers and the right and wrong ways to go about it. Rob talks about some notable apprentices and students that he's taught over the years, Talks about why he quit teaching at college and the issues with the way some of courses are delivered. Rob talks about examples of bad mentorship and lack of trust from more experienced bricklayers in learners. 

Harley Walker joins Ash to talk about his experiences learning from Rob, what Rob has taught him on and off the tools - why he's thankful to have had someone like Rob teach him the trade and what he's up to now.

Ash Mahoney catches up with regular guests from the Bricklaying trade and asks them about their start to the year. Dale Wherton gives an update on what happened with his stolen truck and tools and also talks about why he's decided to have a drastic career change. Izzy The Bricky talks about what he's up to on site and shares a major personal update and Colin Reid, well known on social media for his stone walls talks about the weather, an exciting opportunity to work overseas and some of the projects he's completed and will be working on as the weather improves.

Ash Mahoney looks into the challenges facing so many Bricklayers on site currently. From being snagged senseless, issues around storage of materials, issues with the NHBC and also some of the inconsistent quality that’s no doubt coming from many of these issues. 

John Cooper - well known on socials as - New Build Quality Control - talks about the quality he’s seen and what he thinks some of the problems are with the approach to house building and site work.

Charlie Collison is frustrated about a lot of this and explains why and what needs to be done to sort it out! 

Ash & Andy Mahoney look into the new technology coming into the trade and find out what is being embraced as well as what there’s still uncertainty around. Simon Green from GSQ Brickwork & Ian Hodgkinson join the discussion.

Jack Dawson shares his experiences teaching and his passion for teaching. Jack talks about how many in the trade should really consider teaching, all the benefits and why your knowledge is needed. Jack also shares his own story of getting into Bricklaying, talks Super Trowel, The Brickwork Tutor's Toolbox and more.

Ash & Andy Mahoney are joined by Joe Short, Inventor and founder of the original Brick Jacket and Brick Jackets Ltd. Joe talks about starting out with his Dad and his experiences on site and the incredible story behind how he came up with his invention and made it a reality.

Ash and Andy Mahoney are off to Las Vegas tomorrow (17th Jan) to compete at Spec Mix in Las Vegas. Ash talks about the dream which is 20 years in the making and the lengths he's gone to prepare. Tom Humphrey joins the discussion to share his preparation and journey to joining the Super Trowel team heading out the States.

Ash and Andy talk about their year in review and also look back on how 2025 has been for many in the Bricklaying trade. Andy talks about what he would like to see change for many Bricklayers out there next year, Ash touches on his mental health journey and Ash and Andy talk plans to compete again in Las Vegas, in the early part of 2026!