Shrewsbury bricklayer to represent UK at international event
A bricklayer who has just completed his apprenticeship with Shrewsbury College has battled it out against other bricklayers to represent the UK at an international competition.
Ryan Stevens, aged 20, from Shrewsbury, joined 100 of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners in Northern Ireland during June to compete in three days of tough competitions, to be crowned one of the top three bricklayers in the UK. He has now made it onto the team for WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015 where he hopes to be crowned the best bricklayer in the world.
Ryan was invited to compete for a place in Squad UK after excelling in the WorldSkills UK National Competitions. He has now been selected, along with two other bricklayers, from Sussex and Barnsley, as a Squad UK team member.
“I really enjoyed the competition in Ireland, however I didn’t anticipate how much pressure there would be,” explained Ryan. “On the bus journey to the event no one spoke to each other because we were all so nervous.
“The finalists were revealed during an ‘Apprentice’ style boardroom scenario. I couldn’t believe I was chosen, the competition was so tight. It was very emotional, and to be honest I’m not sure it’s sunk in even now. My family and friends are thrilled for me and have been extremely supportive.”
Ryan has recently completed his NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship in Brickwork at Shrewsbury College, having started in the 14-16 programme and completing his Levels 1 and 2. He continues to work for Craig Chetwood Building Contractors in Wrockwardine on a self-employed basis.
“The College and my boss have been extremely supportive of me. I don’t think I would be in this position without the help of my tutors Shrewsbury College who have really given me the help I needed to progress so far by this stage in my career, nor would I be able to take part in the competitions if my employer didn’t allow me the time off to train.”
Brickwork Lecturer, Steven Thomas, from the College, said: “Ryan is a credit to the College. He has worked his way up from NVQ Level 1 to Level 3, found employment, and has excelled in the biggest skills competition in the world.
“We now invite Ryan into the College to help coach younger students and help them train towards competitions. We will continue to support him as he takes part in his training during the run up to Sao Paulo.”
WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015, which takes place from 11-16 August 2015, is the world’s largest international skills competition. The WorldSkills Competition, which is held every two years in cities around the globe, sees around 1000 young people come together to compete for medals in more than 40 skills ranging from Bricklaying to Beauty Therapy and Aircraft Maintenance.
