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In the realm of construction, nurturing new talent and enhancing the skills of apprentices and trainees is crucial for industry growth and innovation.
With a history steeped in tradition and a keen eye on the future, Wienerberger has been a stalwart supporter of the next generation of skilled bricklayers through both longstanding and newly formed partnerships. That's why in 2024, we are proud to sponsor not one, not two, but three industry renowned bricklaying competitions.
Wienerberger are sponsoring the bricklaying segment of SkillBuild, a multi-trade skills competition for UK construction trainees and apprentices. This initiative, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), represents a cornerstone in identifying and celebrating the next generation of construction experts.
For over four decades, SkillBuild has stood as a testament to excellence in construction trades. It is not merely a competition; it is a rigorous journey where apprentices and trainees are tested on their technical prowess, time management, character, and commitment.
The competition unfolds in stages, beginning with a series of regional competitions across the UK, running from April to June. Following the Regional Qualifiers, the top eight scorers in each skill category advance to the SkillBuild National Final, a prestigious event held at the 5,000-capacity Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from 18 – 22 November. This year, over 1,000 students are competing at 19 Regional Qualifiers, all vying for a chance to demonstrate their expertise on a national stage, working with bricks from Wienerberger's Sandown plant.
Founded in 1932, the Guild of Bricklayers has been a beacon of high standards and exceptional brickwork craftsmanship. Each year, the Guild hosts a series of competitions that shine a spotlight on the UK’s most talented junior bricklayers, providing a platform for these young artisans to showcase their skills and passion for bricklaying. The Guild's annual competitions test apprentices and trainees on their ability to lay bricks to the highest standard, providing a platform for further professional development and recognition.
Since 1990, Wienerberger UK has sponsored the Guild of Bricklayers annual competition by providing all bricks used in the competition. The competition spans ten regional heats, beginning in March and culminating in the national final on June 13th at Herts Regional College.
These heats are a battleground where local colleges put forward their finest students, both at Junior and Senior levels, to compete for the coveted title. The judging process is rigorous, with certified judges evaluating contestants on various criteria including level, plumb, alignment, mortar joint profile, spacing, general finish, cleanliness, and attention to detail. Safety practices during the competition are also scrutinized, emphasizing the importance of safe working conditions in the industry.
A recent highlight of this partnership was the demonstration held at the Bishop Burton College heat, where Wienerberger showcased the synergy between Eco-brick and Porotherm. This demonstration not only highlighted the potential for creating thermally efficient and lower embodied carbon brick wall structures but also served as an educational experience for aspiring bricklayers who are not only skilled in their craft but are also conscious of the environmental impacts of their work.
In the heart of the construction industry's calendar this year is the eagerly anticipated Super Trowel 2024 competition, set to unfold at the prestigious Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on August 8th.
As the official brick sponsor, Wienerberger is thrilled to support what is recognised as the UK’s largest masonry event and bricklaying competition. This event not only celebrates the remarkable skill and speed of the nation's professional bricklayers but also serves as a vibrant hub for innovation and craftsmanship in masonry.
With 30 contestants competing over two regional heats—one in the North and one in the South—the competition is fierce. These skilled professionals will vie for the coveted title of the UK’s fastest bricklayer, a testament to their precision, speed, and dedication to quality.
The final event at Marshall Arena will not only host the thrilling showdown but also feature an exhibition with over 60 exhibitors. Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations and stalls showcasing cutting-edge tools, equipment, and techniques.
The essence of the Super Trowel competition is a formidable challenge: to construct a finished quality wall containing as many Wienerberger bricks as possible within one hour. Contestants are given a two-hour window prior to the competition to lay the starter courses of block and brick. Following this preparation, they have one intense hour to lay their bricks in stretcher bond, culminating in a well-deserved 10-minute rest before a 20-minute jointing/pointing up period.
Last year, Charlie Collison from Colchester set a high benchmark, laying an impressive 607 bricks in 60 minutes. His extraordinary performance not only earned him £4,500 but also the prestigious title of the UK's fastest bricklayer.
As we look forward to the outcomes of these competitions, we celebrate the dedication, skill, and passion of all participants. Their journey is a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for the construction industry, driven by talent, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Whether it’s precision, creativity, or sheer passion for bricklaying, these competitions celebrate the artistry and skill of those who shape our built environment. We can't wait to see what the winners of SkillBuild, The Guild of Bricklayers competition and Super Trowel achieve in the heat of the competition!
