Pictured above: William Davis apprentice bricklayer Luke Welstead has won a place on the UK WorldSkills team and is competing in the 2010 SkillBUILD National Final

William Davis final year apprentice bricklayer Luke Welstead, has reached the national final of the 2010 SkillBUILD competition, the largest multi-trade competition in the country for apprentices.

Out of circa 400 competitors, Luke is down to the final 12 in the bricklaying category, following his successes in the East Midlands heat and subsequent semi-final, where competitors challenged not only for a place in the national final but also on the UK team for the WorldSkills London 2011 competition. Luke will commence his WorldSkills training in November, which involves block releases to Cumbria, Stoke-on-Trent and Coalville, where Luke will be advised on his practical ability, mental agility and even diet!

Prior to this, however, the 19 year old from Loughborough will compete for the title of 2010 SkillBUILD champion in a two and half day test where every aspect of his work will come under scrutiny, from his ability to follow detailed instructions to producing accurate work to deadline and being economical with materials.

Speaking about his achievements, Luke said: "I am really proud of all my accomplishments within my apprenticeship at William Davis and have been fortunate to work alongside some great people to learn my craft. I am looking forward to completing the scheme and meeting the next set of challenges when I start my WorldSkills training!"

Brian Bradford, training and personnel manager, William Davis added: "Luke is an extremely hard-working, dedicated and enthusiastic trainee who has worked closely with both his peers at college and his apprentice master, Bill Eccles to hone his skills and talent. Since he joined the company in 2007, Luke has been involved with the SkillBUILD competition and has progressed further each year culminating in his appearance in this year's final. Everyone at the company wishes him the best of luck in the competition."

Luke, who is currently on site at Grange Park in Loughborough, was also the 2009 winner of the company's Apprentice of the Year award for hard work, punctuality and consistently high standards. The SkillBUILD National Final takes place from Wednesday 8th September - Friday 10th September at Coleg Menai's Construction Skills Centre in Llangefni, Anglesey.