Wienerberger sponsors Guild of Bricklayers competition

Since 1990 Wienerberger UK have enjoyed a supporting relationship with the bricklayers of the future through sponsorship of the Guild of Bricklayers annual competition. Wienerberger are proud to be the sole provider of all the bricks, supplying around 6,000 for each regional heat plus the final.

The ten regional heats see local colleges put forward their top students, at Junior and Senior levels, to represent them and compete against the best to reach the national final, which will be held on 22^nd June this year.

The test pieces are designed by tutors who are Guild Council members, and students are briefed on the day, provided with drawings and given the opportunity to ask questions before the timer starts. Both groups have three hours in the morning, plus 2 hours for the Juniors and 3 hours for Seniors in the afternoon, in which to complete the test piece.

Marking is by certified judges and comprehensive with level, plumb, alignment, mortar joint profile, and mortar spacing all considered along with general finish, cleanliness, and attention to detail.  Students are also expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of safety during the exercise. Interpretation of drawings is an essential element of replicating the experience on site. Additional questions to judges can be answered during the test, although this may affect the marks awarded.

The atmosphere on the day is vibrant, with observers and local schools invited along. “Representatives from all the sponsors are made very welcome too,” said Helen Levell, Area Sales Manager at Wienerberger. “The events I’ve attended run like a military operation thanks to the immense effort of the team.”

First, second and third places at each of the regional heats, and the final for both Juniors and Seniors, all receive a nominal cash amount with trophies for the winners of each level.

Andrew Cainen, Past President and Technical Officer of the Guild of Bricklayers said, “This is a great platform for bricklayer students to demonstrate their skills and add to their CV.  Many of them have gone on to become successful bricklayers, owners of bricklaying companies and bricklaying tutors. We are very grateful to Wienerberger for providing all the bricks continuously through good and lean times”   

Simon Nevitt, Operations Director at Wienerberger commented, “We are proud to have had a long association with the highly respected Guild of Bricklayers, especially being involved in their annual competition which raises the bar in bricklaying skills within the industry. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many more years.” 

Find out more about how Wienerberger supports the future of the construction industry, with our apprenticeship programmes.