After joining Henry Boot straight from school in September 1968, Multi-Skilled Operative Dave Ellis is hanging up his trowel for the last time to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.

Dave arrived at Henry Boot as a bricklaying apprentice, and became fully qualified in his early 20s, as apprenticeships were a much longer process at this time.

After 53 years, he has seen a big shift in construction methods across the decades. Dave reminisced about his early memories in the industry, including his gang taking materials off wagons by hand and the use of hod carriers to transport bricks, and how this took up a lot of time and energy before the bricklaying had even begun.

During his long service Dave has spent time working on numerous high-profile projects, including the impressive feat of working on the original MET centre in Barnsley in 1968, before recently returning to work on The Glass Works in 2019. An achievement that led Barnsley Council to commending him and colleague Ondrie Mann by gifting them with a framed photo of both projects.

Dave has continually adapted to a variety of roles and has most recently been working on repairing existing brickwork and constructing new walls on a number of hospital and prison contracts.

I have known Dave all of my career. He joined Henry Boot in 1968 and to have such a long career at one company is unprecedented and a testament to his commitment.

In his time with us he will have seen many characters come and go but he will have also made many friends. We will all miss him and we wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life. You have more than earned it Dave, so have a long and happy retirement!

Tony Shaw, Managing Director