Reshaping Construction: Andy Stevens on Mental Health, Apprenticeships, and Industry Innovation

I'm The Gaffer

In this episode of I'm the Gaffer, host Gavin Coyle sits down with Andy Stevens, Founder & CEO of The Build Network UK, an award-winning builder, broadcaster, author, and speaker. With a remarkable career forged from a challenging childhood, Andy shares his journey from laboring at 14 to leading high-end construction projects and overcoming personal struggles with mental health and substance abuse. They tackle pressing industry issues, mental health stigma, the broken apprenticeship system, and the drinking culture while exploring how The Build Network UK’s digital platform is inspiring the next generation to transform construction.

They discuss:

Andy’s rise from treehouse laborer to award-winning builder, his battles with complex PTSD and addiction, and systemic challenges like tool theft, non-payment, and an aging workforce. He also shares his vision for revitalizing apprenticeships through practical training and using platforms like YouTube to make construction careers appealing to youth. A key highlight is Andy’s reference to Mark Reynolds, CEO of MACE, and their discussion on a six-month intensive training program to address the skills shortage.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction & welcome to Andy Stevens, Founder & CEO of The Build Network UK

02:30 – Andy’s origins: Laboring at 14 and discovering craftsmanship in treehouses

06:00 – Building success: High-end projects and awards before the 2007–08 crash

10:00 – Personal battles: Overcoming PTSD, addiction, and homelessness

15:00 – Substance abuse in construction: Addressing the drinking culture

20:00 – The Build Network UK: Launching a digital platform for industry change

25:00 – Apprenticeship crisis: Fixing a failing system with hands-on training

30:00 – Inspiring the next generation: Using social media to showcase careers

35:00 – Mental health advocacy: Breaking stigma through vulnerability

40:00 – Key takeaways: Building a sustainable, inclusive construction future

Guest Spotlight: Mark Reynolds Mentioned by Andy Stevens

Around the 27-minute mark, Andy references Mark Reynolds, CEO of MACE and a member of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). He discusses a post-recording conversation with Mark from September 2023 about a proposed six-month intensive apprenticeship program. This initiative aims to kickstart careers in construction, addressing the industry’s skills shortage with practical, entry-level training—a testament to Andy’s commitment to innovative solutions.

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

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