Two first-year Level 2 Bricklaying apprentices have showcased their skills on the regional stage after representing the college at the SkillBuild competition held at Moulton College.
Dan and Luke, who are both completing their bricklaying apprenticeships, took on the challenging competition after weeks of extra preparation alongside their regular college studies and work placements.
Dan achieved an impressive third-place finish, while Luke demonstrated resilience and determination by completing the competition despite suffering a painful back injury on the day.
The competition challenged apprentices to construct a decorative feature garden wall, complete with isolated piers and stepped brickwork. This year’s event also included an unexpected setting-out element that competitors had not practised beforehand.
“It was hard, to be fair,” said Dan. “It was a hot day, but we just got there and cracked on. We were thrown in at the deep end because they added something extra that we hadn’t done before. I didn’t think I’d do that well, so finishing third was a nice surprise.”
Reflecting on the experience, Luke said: “SkillBuild is a great learning experience. It gives people the chance to demonstrate what they’re learning and grow, not only in their skills but as a person. It’s one thing practising in college, but when it’s competition day it feels much more like the real world.”
Despite competing with a back injury, Luke was determined to see the challenge through.
“I struggled a lot with my back on the day, which was unfortunate, but I powered on. Apart from that, I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience.”
Bricklaying tutor Paul praised both apprentices for their commitment and work ethic, highlighting the additional hours they invested in preparing for the event.
“Over the six weeks leading up to the competition, Dan and Luke fitted in extra training around their normal apprenticeship programme and spent additional time practising,” he said. “They went well above and beyond what was expected and performed extremely well, doing both their employers and the college proud.”
Paul also believes the competition demonstrates the high standards being achieved by young apprentices and helps showcase the importance of the bricklaying trade.
“Competitions like SkillBuild shine a light on the skills our apprentices are developing and the excellent work taking place in colleges to prepare them for industry,” he said.
Looking ahead, both apprentices are eager to continue developing their careers in bricklaying, with Dan planning to remain in the trade after completing his apprenticeship and Luke describing his first year as “a great experience”.
“I’m definitely enjoying the course,” Luke added. “There’s plenty of opportunity to learn, lots of time to hone your skills and all the support is there from the college and my employer. It’s been a great first year.”
Paul is confident the pair have bright futures ahead.
“They’ve only been with me for around a year, and they’re already competing at this level. Give them another 12 months and I think they’ll come back even stronger. These two are future leaders in the industry.”
