Some of the best apprentices in bricklayers from London visited Lewisham College’s Deptford campus to compete in the Best in London Apprentice Challenge competition, sponsored by Forterra.

The competition hosted at Lewisham College saw bricklaying learners tasked with following a complex bricklaying plan, which they had to complete within the time limit. The final work was judged by brickwork experts from fellow sponsors CPI EuroMix and Brick Jackets Ltd. The apprentices taking part were from Lee Marley, Swift Brickwork Contractors, Winchmore Brickwork Ltd, Flahive Brickwork and Joe Brennan Training.

Gerard Garvey, Principal at Lewisham College, said: “The London Apprentice Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to work with experienced professionals in a time-pressured environment. It is crucial that our learners can gain experiences like this, which will help them to prepare for life in the construction industry. I would like to congratulate all those who took part in the competition.”

The event sponsors, Forterra, said: “Well done to everyone for another successful competition, continuing to highlight the amazing skills within the industry, and the real desire to collaborate!”

The day concluded with an extensive judging process, followed by a prize-giving ceremony where the winners were awarded certificates and medals. The winning competitors were:

  • Jack Simmons, Swift Brickwork Contractors - achieved first place in the individual competition
  • Bradley Battams and Daniel Summerfield, Winchmore Brickwork Ltd - the winners of the team competition

To learn more about the Construction and Engineering courses offered at Lewisham College, visit lewisham.ac.uk/construction