A BURY College student is cementing a successful career after claiming first prize in a prestigious competition for brickies.

Level two bricklayer Joe Higginson triumphed in the annual North West Guild of Bricklayers competition, which recognises and promotes high standards in the construction trade across the country.

The 18-year-old represented Bury College in the junior category of the competition held in Preston, where he was challenged to build a wall in five hours.

The teenager, a former pupil of Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom, believes that the live briefs he has taken part in during his time at Bury College helped him prepare for the contest.

Joe said: “As well as the practical work we do in the Bury College workshop, I have been involved in site work which has included restoring a garden wall at Philips Park in Whitefield where, as a group, we built a 15-metre brick retaining wall.”

The construction student will now compete in the Skill Build Senior Competition, which will take place in Stockport, where he will be tasked with constructing a bigger, more complex wall over a six hour timeframe. He will compete against 16 other students.

Joe added: "I have learnt a lot during my time at Bury College. My confidence has grown and I have always received great support from my tutors.”

Upon completing his level 2 bricklaying diploma, Joe will start his apprenticeship with JS Serridge and Barratt Homes and aims to pursue a career within property developing.

Bury College construction tutor Andy Wales said: "Joe has made myself and Bury College very proud of his commitment and hard work to his studies. This has resulted in him gaining employment via an apprenticeship with JS Serridge, a sub-contractor for Barratt Homes, which is a fantastic opportunity for Joe to put his training into practice as a quality bricklayer and carry his future forward."