Posted on 9 July
In the space of just over a week, Leeds College of Building (LCB) hosted two of the bricklaying industry’s largest trade competitions.
On 19 June, LCB South Bank was the venue for the North England regional heat of Super Trowel 2026 – the ultimate bricklaying competition, where the UK’s fastest and most skilled bricklayers come together to showcase their talents.
The rules are simple but challenging: build the best quality brick wall, lay as many bricks as possible, and do it all within a punishing 60-minute time limit. This year also saw a standalone challenge to crown the fastest hod carrier to load 1,000 bricks.
This year’s regional heat was fierce, in what is being hailed as the biggest and best Super Trowel competition yet. Over the course of the day, exceptional talent battled it out for a chance to be selected for the national final taking place at Hertford Showground (31 July – 1 August).
The shortlisted professional and junior competitors will now go head-to-head at the grand finale for the opportunity to win the coveted Super Trowel title and be crowned the UK’s fastest bricklayer. The winner will also bag a cash prize and a spot to represent the UK at SPEC MIX Las Vegas 2026.
Jack Dawson, Super Trowel Director, said:
“For me, the most important thing about these events is showing the next generation where they can go, and I would say LCB is at the pinnacle [of construction industry teaching]. It is the true representation for me is what a CTEC (Construction Technical Excellence College) should be. Everyone in the industry should visit here and see what LCB is doing.”
The Super Trowel regional competition came just weeks after LCB South Bank hosted another major industry event: the Guild of Bricklayers national Golden Trowel final on 11 June.
The competition showcases top bricklaying talent from across the country. From seasoned bricklayers to those just starting out in their career, the event gives competitors the chance to demonstrate their exceptional abilities and gain invaluable experience and exposure.
Tasked with building over two 3-hour sessions, LCB student, Niamh Ormsby, finished the day in third place in the junior female category. Damien Mason-Harding, Curriculum Manager at Leeds College of Building, said:
“What an absolutely incredible day hosting the Guild of Bricklayers national final right here at Leeds College of Building. A massive thank you to our hardworking staff and students who kept the mortar mixing and the competitors going without a hitch. You are the backbone of days like today!
“While the talent on display was phenomenal across the board, the absolute highlight for me was seeing our very own Niamh take 3rd place in the Junior Female competition! To say this is a massive achievement is an understatement. Niamh only picked up a trowel for the very first time as a full-time student last September. To go from zero experience to placing 3rd in a prestigious national competition in less than a year is nothing short of outstanding.”
Paul Briggs, The Guild of Bricklayers President, added:
“Year by year, we’re getting more and more women progressing into these competitions which is great. […] The ethos of the Guild of Bricklayers has always been based on quality. We judge the walls on quality and the ability to keep your work tidy. So, competitions like this are vital to remind the industry of the importance of quality in construction, and brickwork in particular.”
LCB has a great track record at the Guild of Bricklayers national competition, with former student Ellis Smith winning the Senior category in 2025.
Fancy joining our LCB family? Find a course that works for you right here.
For more information about Super Trowel 2026, including ticket details, visit their website.
For more information on The Guild of Bricklayers, visit their website.
