Brickie Tom top of the class

Tom Charlesworth, James Smith and Ben Walker were chosen to represent the college in the Yorkshire section of the Guild of Bricklayers competition, held at Hull College on Friday May 17.

The trio took part over three categories, with Tom in the new entrant contest, James in junior and Ben taking part in the senior competition.

The students were picked due to the high standard of their bricklaying and the enthusiasm they have show in their courses, and were tasked with building a wall using a selection of different bricks.

All three students lived up to their billing with some excellent walls on display, but Tom was the star of the show, taking second place in the new entrant category.

He said: “I really enjoyed the day, it was nice to see what standard my work is at compared to other apprentices from different colleges.

“I was happy with getting second place and hopefully I will be selected next year for the junior section and I can go one better!”

All entrants at the event received a certificate from the Guild, while Tom was rewarded for his fine showing with a trophy, toolbox and brand new set of tools.

Kirklees College bricklaying tutor Nick Taylor said: “It is a great honour to be asked to take part in these competitions.

“I am really proud of the lads, with the way they conducted themselves on the day and the quality of craftsmanship they displayed they are a credit to both the college and their employers.”

The Guild of Bricklayers was founded in 1932 and aims to improve and encourage the skills of bricklayers throughout the country.

The Guild has branches in each of ten regions in the country, and holds a national conference each year for its members to attend.

It also holds an annual competition, with the winners from each of this year’s ten regional heats going on to compete in the national final in June.

This year’s final was held at the Cardiff Construction Training Centre, the gold medal going to Louis Wilkinson from Sussex Downs College.

Yorkshire’s representative in the final was Barnsley College’s William Proud.