Bath-based Scott Franklin claimed fifth place in the national finals of a competition to find the country’s best young bricklayers.

The 23-year-old is an apprentice with Lovell and is working on the major housing regeneration programme which Lovell is carrying out for Bath social landlord Curo, building new homes to replace pre-cast reinforced concrete properties.

Having won the regional round of the Guild of Bricklayers competition for apprentice bricklayers, Scott was up against 11 other competitors in the national finals, held at West Nottinghamshire College. The contestants had to tackle a timed challenge – only presented to them on the day of the competition - to build a specific structure.


"I enjoy competing," said Scott. "It's nervewracking when you first get given the details of what you have to build but once you crack on with it, it’s okay. The competition has been hard work but it feels like a real achievement to have got this far." Scott was presented with a certificate and a plaque at the national finals.

Lovell regional director Nick Kurobasa said: "This is a fantastic result for Scott whose hard work and talent have impressed everyone at Lovell since he began his apprenticeship. He is an excellent example of the sort of young person we want to encourage into our industry and his success demonstrates why providing training opportunities for young people is such an important part of our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in communities."

Scott recently completed his NVQ Level 3 advanced brickwork qualification with the help of Lovell. He joined the company at the start of 2010 and has been sponsored by Lovell throughout his apprenticeship, going to Wiltshire College Trowbridge on day release, while gaining practical experience working with Lovell on site.

(CD)