Guild of Bricklayers 2026: North Notts College Emerges Victorious
Outstanding performances at the Guild of Bricklayers Regional Finals saw North Notts College Construction students secure both Senior winner and Junior runner-up positions.
Hosted by Lincoln College on Monday, the event brought together talented bricklaying students from across the region to compete in a series of rigorous technical challenges.
Junior Heats
Facing a five-hour time limit, junior entrants tackled a varied joint finish demanding absolute precision. Accuracy proved critical, with competitors working methodically to set out and execute decorative brickwork featuring recessed and projected soldier courses, brick-on-edge detailing, and diaper patterns. Every course required careful alignment and consistent jointing, with learners managing layout, cutting and finishing tasks under continuous time pressure.
Year 2 Apprentice Freddy Fowler handled the challenge well, securing a strong second place in a closely fought contest.
Senior Heats
Complexity shifted up a gear for the Senior category, with participants tackling a demanding six-hour practical build designed to test advanced craftsmanship. Throughout the task, they set out and constructed detailed front, side and rear elevations, integrating curved, recessed and projected soldier courses. Adding further pressure, learners also executed recessed half-round detailing and contrasted brickwork with complete precision under strict time constraints.
Level 3 Apprentice Jude Martindale met these heightened stakes perfectly, executing his project flawlessly to claim regional victory.
National Finals
Following his Senior Winner title at the regional heats, Jude has secured his place among the country’s highest-performing competitors. He now progresses to the National Finals, where he will face an advanced timed brickwork challenge testing technical accuracy, consistency, and interpretation of working drawings.
All eyes now turn to 11th June 2026, as he represents North Notts College on the national stage.
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