Brickwork trainees will be challenged to build decorative brick walls

Brickwork trainees from across the country are set to battle it out in a national competition hosted by West Nottinghamshire College.

The Guild of Bricklayers National Final will see the country’s twelve finalists from regional heats held earlier this year competing at the college’s Construction and Logistics Skills Academy in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on Wednesday 20 June.

The competitors, who hail from colleges across the UK, will be challenged to build decorative walls and follow technical design briefs in a series of timed challenges.

Prizes for winning students include £150 from Travis Perkins builders’ merchant, £30 from the Guild of Bricklayers and a selection of tools.

Also on the day, West Nottinghamshire College students will be taking part in a range of other trade competitions organised by the college.  Students on painting and decorating, electrical, plumbing and bricklaying courses will put their skills to the test in a series of craft-related challenges inside the state-of-the-art construction training areas.

The national final runs from 9.30am – 3.30pm and is open to the public as spectators.  People can watch the competitors in action, tour the skills academy and visit a range of trade stands where they can purchase discounted goods.

Visitors can also enrol on a free nail gun training course to learn how to operate the tool safely and correctly, with participants receiving an industry certificate upon completion.

Head of construction and building services Julian Walden said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this prestigious competition and it’s always great to see new and emerging talent in the construction industry showcased in this way.

“It’s set to be an exciting day, with our own internal trade competitions also taking place, and our students are working hard on perfecting their skills for the day.

“We look forward to welcoming any members of the public who wish to come along and see the competitors in action.”