Young Brickwork Apprentice chosen for regional SkillBuild 2026 qualifier
17-year-old Bloor Homes bricklaying apprentice Will Roberts is competing in the SkillBuild regional qualifying competition this summer
17-year-old Bloor Homes bricklaying apprentice, Will Roberts, has been selected by Heart of Worcester (HoW) College to represent the developer and College at the annual SkillBuild 2026 Regional Qualifying competition taking place at Heart of Worcestershire College in May.
Will is one of three students selected by tutors at HoW College to compete against bricklaying apprentices across the region.
The six-hour bricklaying competition will require each apprentice to use their skills, precision and time management to complete projects designed to test skills and abilities at Level 2 curriculum.
On the day, marks will be awarded for technical proficiency and execution, including dimensional positioning, alignment, details of projected and recessed features, joint finishes, conformity to the drawing, the cleanliness of the facework, and work methods. Marks will also be awarded for working safely and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the competition.
Bloor Homes’ bricklaying apprenticeships are sought after, as the developer provides a collective place for apprentices of different levels to work on site and learn together, under the expert guidance of dedicated Bricklaying Apprentice Master, Dave Weldon. This ensures apprentices have the support on site that they need whilst also adhering to the high standards of work and professional health and safety required of a live building site.
Bloor Homes also understands the challenge young people face getting to site and provides travel costs as well as tools when they begin training with the company.
Dave Weldon, Apprentice Master for Bloor Homes' Western region, said: “We are so proud of Will – given that he only started his apprenticeship six months ago with no previous building experience, it’s fantastic to see how well he has progressed. He’s also our youngest apprentice, which makes his selection for this important regional competition even more impressive.
“Will has taken on board the high standards and attention to detail we expect from all our apprentices, alongside everything he is being taught at HoW College. His place at the regional qualifier is well-deserved. We wish him the very best of luck in June.”
Will Roberts said: “It was a surprise to be selected for the competition but I’m looking forward to it. I may be relatively new to bricklaying, but I’ve already learned a lot at HoW College and working on site at Bloor Homes. If they think I’m ready, I will definitely give it my best shot!”
The annual SkillBuild competition is run by Go Construct, an organisation funded by the construction industry to provide resources for anyone looking for a career in the construction and built environment sector. It also showcases the many rewarding opportunities available and help people from all backgrounds to enter an exciting and growing industry which has a huge impact on the UK’s housing, industry and infrastructure.
Tom Hill, Bricklaying College Coordinator at HoW College, said: “Will has shown impressive commitment and rapid development since joining us. His selection reflects both his hard work and the strong foundation he’s building. We’re proud to see him represent the College and Bloor Homes at the regional qualifiers.”
There are seventeen regional SkillBuild qualifying events across the UK and Northern Ireland. Bricklaying is one of ten categories in the competition – apprentices and full-time students in carpentry, dry-lining, furniture and cabinet making, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, roof slating and tiling, stonemasonry, and wall and floor tiling also compete for a place at the SkillBuild National Final.
When all seventeen qualifiers have closed, only the top eight highest scoring competitors from across the country in each category will go through to the SkillBuild National Final towards held at the end of the year.
For more information about Bloor Homes’ apprenticeship and trainee opportunities visit: bloorhomes.com/careers