Apprentice Alistair is national title challenger
An apprentice bricklayer trained by a county construction firm is taking on the nation after winning his way through to the UK final of a skills challenge.
SJ Roberts Construction trainee, Alistair Laird, saw off all comers in a competition organised by the Guild of Bricklayers, held at Menai College, Bangor.
His achievement earned him the right to move on to the event's national final, which is to take place at West Nottinghamshire College, on June 20.
Alistair, aged 20, from Newtown, Powys, is the latest beneficiary of an ongoing commitment by SJ Roberts Construction to take on and train apprentices on an annual basis, with a view to them obtaining relevant qualifications, including NVQs or foundation degrees, as well as valuable on-site experience.
Managing director of SJ Roberts Construction, Michael Sambrook, said: “We are very proud of Alistair's achievement and wish him every success in the national round of the competition. He is a credit to the business and the product of the excellent training his colleagues and mentors have been able to give during his apprenticeship.
“We are strongly committed to maintaining opportunities for young people entering our industry, because we are a skills-based sector and maintaining knowledge and techniques through the next generation is critical. Alistair is a fine example of what can be achieved and this is a success he can go on to build his career upon.”
SJ Roberts Construction is based on the Shropshire/Powys border, at Marton, and has recently celebrated securing the contract to deliver a £4.8m housing development at Welshpool, on behalf of Mid-Wales Housing Association.
This year the company is looking to take on both an apprentice carpenter and a trainee site manager, who will receive the same support and career development opportunities that Alistair has enjoyed.
