Apprentice bricklayer hopes to build region’s reputation in national finals

Apprentice bricklayer David Wood hopes to cement the region’s reputation for young talent when he represents the North East in a national competition next month.

The 19-year-old from Staindrop near Barnard Castle has beaten students from Tyneside, Wearside, County Durham and Teesside colleges to win the senior category in the regional Guild of Bricklayers competition.

The day-long northern heat was held at Bishop Auckland College, where David is a Level 3 student.

The college also took third place in the junior category thanks to the efforts of Level 2 student, 18-year-old Nathan Cooper from Evenwood.

David, who works for Matthew Vollans of Cockfield, will now head to the national final at Sussex Downs College on June 20 to represent the North East.

The Guild of Bricklayers was founded in 1932 with the aim of promoting and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship in brickwork.

The regional heat was opened by Bishop Auckland College Principal & Chief Executive Natalie Davison.

The seven other colleges who competed were Darlington, Hartlepool, New College

Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Redcar & Cleveland and Sunderland.