Skills competition success for apprentices

Two apprentices who started their construction training at Derby College Group when they were still at school have been recognised in the regional final of a national skills competition.

Jonny McFarlane, who is an apprentice with KR Brickwork, in Belper, and Kieran Sanders, an apprentice with GF Tomlinson in Derby, represented the college in the annual skills competition organised by the Guild of Bricklayers.

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Jonny won the junior section, while Kieran came second in the senior competition. They are now waiting to hear if they have enough points to make the national final.

They were nominated for the competition by their construction teachers.

Teacher Clive Smith said: “We have worked with both of these lads since they were Year 10 pupils coming here one day a week on the pre-16 programme.

“It was clear from the outset that they were made for the construction industry.

“We are very proud of their achievements in this competition, which we engage with every year as it really tests the young people’s skills, accuracy and problem-solving skills under time pressures.”