wienerberger Fuels the Future of Bricklaying

A Winning Partnership for the Next Generation of Bricklayers

wienerberger is proud to have been a key sponsor of the SkillBuild 2024 competition. This prestigious national event, held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from November 19th to 21st, showcased the exceptional talent of the UK’s finest young bricklayers.

Our commitment to nurturing future generations of skilled tradespeople led to a donation of 20,000 bricks across 13 regional heats and the national final. This contribution ensured that competitors had access to high-quality materials to demonstrate their abilities.

A Fierce Competition

The competition was fierce, with eight talented finalists vying for the top spot. After an intense 18-hour challenge, Kyle Blower from Shrewsbury College emerged as the winner. His exceptional skill and precision earned him the coveted title of SkillBuild 2024 Champion and an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas presented by Super Trowel to compete internationally.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Mike Burdett, Bricklaying tutor and Head of Construction at York College, highlighted the importance of industry support in addressing the skills gap:

"Companies like wienerberger play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in the construction sector by investing in training programs and apprenticeships. Through collaboration with educational institutions, they help to support Study Programs and Apprenticeship Standards that align with industry needs, ensuring new entrants to the industry are well-prepared. Additionally, companies often support continuous professional development for existing construction employees, encouraging a culture of lifelong learning. Which ultimately leads to a more skilled and adaptable construction workforce."

Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, emphasized the crucial role of sponsors like wienerberger in supporting such events:

"Support from our sponsors is critical for CITB to ensure we deliver the best experience for the competitors and that we replicate the materials and resources used in industry. Delivering the UK’s largest construction trainee competition is no small task, but the support from suppliers and manufacturers makes this a brilliant, collaborative event. We firmly believe that working together will achieve the greatest outcomes for our stakeholders and a key part of that is securing the best raw materials for competitors to demonstrate their skills through the regional and national competitions."

Inspiring the Next Generation

As part of our sponsorship, wienerberger hosted a stand at the construction showcase, inviting students and visitors to try their hand at bricklaying. Our team of experts provided guidance and answered questions about careers, training opportunities, and the exciting world of bricklaying.

By giving young people the opportunity to experience firsthand the satisfaction and skill involved in bricklaying, we hope to inspire the next generation of talented tradespeople.

wienerberger is committed to supporting the construction industry and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future. By partnering with organizations like SkillBuild and investing in training and development, we are helping to build a brighter future for the construction sector.