Pictured above: Karen Vickers presents William Davis
apprentice bricklayer Luke Welstead with the Peter Vickers Shield
for best bricklaying competitor
19 year old Luke Welstead, a final year apprentice bricklayer at
Loughborough-based contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd, has
been crowned the best bricklayer in Britain following triple award
success in the national SKillBUILD final.
SkillBUILD is the largest, annual, multi-trade competition in
the country for apprentices and involved rigorous testing in
regional heats before the two and a half day practical assessment
for the final 12 bricklayers. They were tested on their ability to
follow detailed instructions, production of accurate work to
deadline, being economical with materials, adhering Health &
Safety standards and overall craftsmanship.
At the awards dinner at Coleg Menai in Llangefni, North Wales,
Luke, from Loughborough, was awarded Gold in the bricklaying
category, crowing him SkillBUILD champion for his trade, together
with the Peter Vickers Shield, which commemorates Peter Vickers, a
former apprentice who became the manager of Coleg Menai's
Construction Skills Centre. The award goes to the best overall
bricklaying student who demonstrates outstanding performance and
attitude during the competition. Luke was also awarded a Gold medal
for the World Skills UK to join the bricklaying squad, from which
one will be selected to represent the UK in WorldSkills 2011, which
is to be held in October in London.
Mick O'Flynn, regional delivery manager for ConstructionSkills
in the East Midlands said: "SkillBUILD helps to demonstrate how
talented and skilled the new generation of construction workers
really is, as well as setting the bar for trainees and colleges
around the UK. Talented apprentices, such as Luke, are hugely
beneficial to businesses in the East Midlands as they help to
provide a competitive edge and ensure the workforce has the right
skills, and business knowledge - putting companies in a strong
position for when the upturn arrives."
Brian Bradford, training and personnel manager at William Davis
Ltd added: "Luke's achievements in the SkillBUILD competition are
exceptional. Throughout the competition he has approached every
task with enthusiasm, determination and a drive to progress to the
next level. Everyone at the company is absolutely thrilled these
efforts have culminated in him being crowned bricklaying SkillBUILD
champion 2010."
Luke, who is currently on site at Grange Park in Loughborough,
was also the 2009 winner of the William Davis Apprentice of the
Year Award, which recognises hard work, dedication and consistently
high standards.