A bricklaying apprentice has won gold at the national finals of the Guild of Bricklayers Competition.

Louis Wilkinson, 19, from Seaford, received first place in the senior heat at the finals held at the Cardiff Construction Centre in Wales last month.

The second-year brickwork apprentice, from Sussex Downs College in Eastbourne, competed against 11 other finalists from across the UK.

Louis, who had previously won the southern regional competition in May, said he was proud to have won the national competition and to have progressed to the next level.

He said: “On the day it was really tense. I was up against a lot of good bricklayers from all over the country, who were all good enough to have won.

“I did feel a bit nervous beforehand but I just thought I’d give it all I’ve got and see howI got on. I’m pleased I did.”

Finalists undertook a gruelling six hours of bricklaying, during which they interpreted, laid out and built a piece of brickwork based on plans submitted by the competition’s judges.

Louis incorporated curved, staggered and basket weave panel brickwork into his final piece.

Melanie Hunt, headteacher and chief executive at Sussex Downs College, was quick to congratulate Louis on his “remarkable” achievement.

She said: “Louis is a fantastic example of the benefits of further education; the strong links with employers, the development of high level technical skills and the encouragement of individual drive, initiative and determination.

“I am very proud of our bricklaying team at Sussex Downs College and the high standard of work they produce. It is great to see this recognised on the national stage.”

The apprenticeship programme in bricklaying at Sussex Downs College is suitable for those in employment by a company in the construction industry.

Ms Hunt’s sentiments were shared by Kevin Diett, curriculum leader for brickwork at Sussex Downs College.

Mr Diett said: “By winning the national finals of the Guild of Bricklayers Competition, it just goes to show the really high standard that Louis is already at. He’s done us really proud and we look forward to seeing what he’ll do next.”