Student cements place in national final

A Derby College Group student has cemented his place a national bricklaying competition after being crowned a regional winner.

Matthew Woolley came top of the senior category in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, which was held at Ilkeston Community College, which is part of the college group.

The 21-year-old, who studies at Ilkeston and is in his second year of bricklaying training, will now compete in national finals on 4 July at NHBC Training Centre, in Tamworth.

Clive Smith, brickwork lecturer at Derby College Group, said: “All the competitors did incredibly well and showcased a very high standard of work.

“They have done fantastically, with some pupils only in their first year of training.

“To be able to say they competed in the competition is really good but to be placed and even win is amazing.

“For all of my students that entered, this is a considerable achievement for them and has given them the opportunity to highlight their skills to potential customers and employers.”