Leeds apprentice wins national bricklaying title
A Leeds College of Building apprentice has won a top award at a national bricklaying competition. Ellis Smith, who trains with Hirst Developments, was named Senior Champion at the 2025 Guild of Bricklayers National Final.
Ellis earned his place in the final after coming first in the Yorkshire regional contest in April. At the national event, held at Sunderland College, he impressed the judges with his bricklaying skills during a tough timed challenge. He aimed to complete more than half of his project before the halfway break to stay ahead.
The competition brought together some of the best young bricklayers in the country. Contestants had to build a model during two three-hour sessions, showing skill, accuracy, and speed.
When asked for advice for others thinking about entering, Ellis said, “Keep your cool. You see all the numbers and the big clock counting down, and it can make you panic. But if you stay calm, you’ll be fine.”
Damien Mason-Harding, Curriculum Manager at Leeds College of Building, said, “A massive congratulations to Ellis Smith, who did an amazing job at the Guild of Bricklayers final and brought home the trophy. Well done to all the other talented competitors too—the standard was really high.
“Thank you to Sunderland College and the Guild of Bricklayers for putting on such a great event. This win also shows the excellent support from Ellis’s tutor, Wayne Richardson, and the whole brickwork team at Leeds College of Building.”
Ellis thanked both Damien and Wayne for their help: “Wayne has worked really hard to support me, and his feedback has been amazing. Damien even drove me to the final in Sunderland. I really can’t thank Leeds College of Building enough.”
Chris Hirst, owner of Hirst Developments, said, “We’re very proud of Ellis. Thanks to Leeds College of Building for giving him the training he’s now using on site. We have two more apprentices starting in September and hope they can achieve just as much.”
The Guild of Bricklayers was set up in 1932 to support high standards in brickwork. It runs regional competitions every year, with the national finals seen as a major honour for students, colleges, and tutors alike.
