The first half of this year has proved to be an exciting, challenging but rewarding time for the brickwork students at Brooklands College. With a vast range of academic achievements under its belt, the brickwork department headed by Christian Hatherall-Good has excelled in offering its students extra-curricular learning opportunities and encouraging a wide variety of competitions to inspire and educate further.
Above: Jack Bristow, awarded 1st place at SkillBuild’s London regional heat
Beginning with the Inter-College bricklaying competition held at Brooklands College, Ashford Campus on 23rd April, Christian’s students showed a wealth of ambition, skill and determination for this interactive educational learning environment. Organised by Christian and sponsored by MBH PLC, a variety of local colleges attended the first Inter-College bricklaying competition which was visited by Mayor of Spelthorne Cllr Suzie Webb and judged by relevant construction professionals. Brookland’s student, Tyler Pearce was awarded 1st place and was presented with the clay trophy.
Not long after, on May 12th the Brookland’s students attended SkillBuild (Southern regional heat), hosted by Chichester College. Jason Curtis achieved third place in the new entrant category for level 1 students and Harry Adaway also competed, representing the College in the Senior category. Over the following consecutive month of June several more students would experience and get to participate in these acclaimed competitions. On June 4th, students attended the Guild of Bricklayers competition (London regional heat) with Tyler Pearce representing the junior category for level 1-2 students and coming fourth. Jack Bristow who is on the level 2 course, was also representing Brookland’s College in the Senior category for level 3 bricklaying students and came third place. Only one week later, on 9th June was the SkillBuild (London regional heat) with Jack Bristow making another appearance on behalf of the College. He was awarded first place, competing as a level 2 student in a competition heat for level 2 and 3’s. Jack is currently waiting to hear if he has one of the top 12 scores, which means he will have the opportunity to compete at the national final, held at the Skill show in Birmingham, in November.
Tyler Pearce and Christian Hatherall-Good
Jack Bristow explains enthusiastically, “Having the opportunity to compete in SkillBuild and Guild of bricklayers competitions has really stretched my bricklaying skills; it’s a lot of pressure building the models while people are watching. I’m over the moon with the results I have achieved, especially my 1st place in the senior category, at the London, regional SkillBuild heat in June.” Head of Construction at Brookland’s College, Neil Houldey said “This has been an outstanding year for the Brickwork section and it is due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the learners and Tutor Christian Hatherall-Good, we look forward to further success next Year.”
MBH PLC is delighted to continue supporting Brooklands and other local colleges for the future. Christian has been asked to host the London heat of the guild of bricklayers competition and the Inter-college competition for 2016 at Brooklands College. He expresses his pride and gratitude stating “These competitions are a great opportunity for students to be stretched and challenged; this gives them a chance to experience and showcase their talent whilst working in a competition environment. Jack and Jason’s success this year in their respective heats has been a great achievement for Brooklands College brickwork department. I am so proud of all my students who have shown great motivation, skill and passion. We all want to thank MBH PLC for its invaluable and generous support.”
