STUDENTS at colleges in Rugby and Moreton Morrell have laid the foundation for future success by winning the regional junior and senior categories of a prestigious bricklaying competition.
Rugby College student Declan Hobley won the senior prize in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, while Owen Shaw, who studies at sister college Moreton Morrell College, came away as the victorious junior.
The competition was held at Rugby College, part of college group WCG.
Declan, 22, from Bretford, is in the final year of his apprenticeship in Brickwork, and currently works with his dad at their company DJ Hobley & Sons.
He said: “It feels fantastic to have beaten off the competition of my fellow talented entrees and to have won the senior edition of the competition.
“I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against my fellow regional winners when the national competition comes around in June.”
Owen, 17, is in his first year of bricklaying training, having started back in September. He has recently embarked on an apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey.
Rugby College student Josh Townsend also claimed third place in the junior section.
Both winners will go through to the national finals on June 22 at South Staffordshire College.
Will Dewes, Brickwork Lecturer at WCG, said: “All the competitors did fantastically well and showcased a very high standard of work.
“I’m especially proud of the WCG students from Moreton Morrell College and Rugby College. They have done tremendously, with some pupils only in their first year of training. To be able to say they competed in the competition is fantastic but to be placed and even win is amazing.
“For all of my students that entered, it has added an extra string to their bow and helped them highlight their skills to potential customers and employers.”
The Guild of Bricklayers was founded in 1932 with the aims of promoting and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship in brickwork. Each year, the Guild organises regional brickwork competitions at senior, junior and schools levels. A National Final then takes place, bringing together the winners of the senior competitions from each of the regional events.
