A Bedwas construction apprentice has won a Welsh bricklaying competition, beating opposition from finalists across the country.
Dean Jones, an apprentice bricklayer, won the regional final of the Guild of Bricklayers’ Junior Annual Contest, held at The College Ystrad Mynach.
He has now qualified for the national final, competing against nine other regional winners across the UK.
Participants were given six hours to showcase their brickwork skills – by interpreting building plans and constructing a wall – before industry professionals judged their work.
The 19-year-old has been plying his skills as a bricklayer since his school years, after attending the college for one day a week as part of the School Links course.
Dean then joined The College Ystrad Mynach full-time to study for a qualification in bricklaying, before starting his apprenticeship.
He was carefully selected to take part in the competition, as a result of his exemplary attitude and commitment to the trade during his lessons.
Dean said: “It was a great feeling winning the competition.
“We had a very short period of time to interpret the brief and build an attractive piece of brickwork to be presented to the judges, and I’m proud to say I won.”
Martin Watkins, head of the School of Construction at The College Ystrad Mynach, added: “We’re delighted that Dean has won this competition and moved on to the national finals.
“Dean’s commitment to the trade is second-to-none and he’s passionate about working to the highest standard – that’s why we put him forward.”
Bryn Davies, principal of The College Ystrad Mynach, said: “We’re thrilled that Dean has achieved such a brilliant result at the Guild of Bricklayers’ Junior Annual Contest.
“His work is of the highest quality and we wish him the best of luck in the national competition.
“Our tutors strive to ensure that students have the best support and mentoring, and this result underlines that level of commitment put in.”