A 20 year old Ilkeston student has demonstrated his skills at two UK-wide bricklaying competitions and took the top spots. He now will represent his college in industry national finals.
Jack Hadfield's most recent accolade was first place at the Guild of Bricklayers regional competition in Grimsby but previously, in May, he won first place in the regional heat of the Construction Industry Training Board’s SkillBuild at Barnsley College.
Jack has studied Level 2 Technical in Bricklaying followed by the Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Bricklaying at Derby College.
His interest in construction first began when he was in sixth form. When the class was let out of school early, and at weekends, he used to help a neighbour with his building jobs. He wanted to learn more so he could speak his language and develop his skill.
In the future, Jack is either looking to start my own business or work as a subcontractor in the building and property sector.
Bricklaying is a much sought after profession and according to the National House Building Council (NHBC), there are still 33,000 more bricklayers needed in the house building sector to meet Government targets.
Jack said of his study and win: “I did ok in my A-levels and got the UCAS points needed to go to university but decided against it as it’s so expensive. I went to college instead and did a few taster courses at DCG in Ilkeston before settling on the Level 2 Technical in Bricklaying. After that I moved on to the Level 3. It’s a good course and I really like my tutors.”
“One of the best things about my bricklaying course is practising for competitions. They’re nice and challenging – something I can get my teeth into. Taking part in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, I worked from a drawing, I had six hours to complete a brickwork feature. I like doing the more complex decorative stuff like that. It really tests my skills.”
Geoffrey Grace, Teacher of Brickwork commented about Jack: “He is very hard-working and puts in lots of practice, especially before his competitions and is a real asset in the classroom. It really is such a good course and Jack has thrown himself into it. Well done to him and I have high hopes for the national competition.”
More details - Brickwork Courses at DCG
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