Two student stonemasons at Bath College have won Gold and Silver awards at SkillBuild, a multi-trade skills competition for construction trainees and apprentices.
Stonemasons Kane and Lewis | Photo courtesy of Bath College
Gold was won by Lewis Evans and Silver by Kane Frith, who are both Level 3 Stonemasonry apprentices.
The pair have been with Bath College for two and a half years.
Lewis’ apprenticeship is with Wolff Stone Ltd in Doulting near Shepton Mallet and Kane’s is with Rowland Stone in Bristol.
The SkillBuild 2021 National Finals were held at the National Construction College (East) site in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.
Competitions took place over the course of three days with almost 250 competitors participating in qualifiers across a range of skill disciplines including bricklaying, carpentry and plastering.
Both Bath College Stonemasonry competitors were surprised and delighted with their achievements.
Lewis said: “It was a tough 18 hour competition shaping some hard Portland stone which created a few blisters, but we’re very happy to come in first and second place.”
Bath College is just one of two colleges in the UK that offer Stonemasonry qualifications.
Students and apprentices train in the purpose-built masonry workshop at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock.
