'My dream now is to have my own firm and build my own home'

Michael Hitchenson competed against 11 regional champions in the Guild of Bricklayers national final on Thursday and ended up in the top three.

The 21-year-old has worked for Carl Stafford Builders in Northwich for five years and studies at Build Skill Plus, a specialist bricklaying apprenticeship centre in Winsford.

Michael, from Hartford, said: "I absolutely love it. It's all about being patient and having steady hands. You stand back at the end of the day and look at your work. It's up for life, everyone can see it, that's what I always have in my head. I love coming to work. I treasure every day."

The level 3 apprentice bricklayer won the north west regional heat as well as a health and safety award at Preston College in March, after competing against students from 35 colleges across the region.

Michael Hitchenson with his award-winning work at the Guild of Bricklayers national final

It was a tense time as competitors work against the clock as judges watch their every move.

Attention to health and safety is also under scrutiny.

"You can't practice, they just give you a drawing and you have six hours to build a feature brickwork panel and wall with curves and fancy brickwork," said Michael. "You can't slack, every second counts."

Michael was thrilled to come third in the national final, after competing against nine regional champions from England and winners from Wales, Scotland and Ireland at Liverpool Community College.

"It was a much more difficult task with more intricate work," said the former Hartford High School pupil, who won trophies, tools and a certificate. "All the bricks, mortar board and everything is all set out for you. I was in my element."

Michael Hitchenson, far right, with finalists and their prize tools pictured with judges at the Guild of Bricklayers national final

Michael left school with no qualifications but was determined to carve a career in the construction industry.

"My mum and dad said I always had rough hands," said Michael. "I was always in a mud pile messing around. It's 100 per cent in my blood."

Michael did work experience with his dad Carl, a builder who owns CB Homes Ltd, before he landed his first job.

"I've pushed myself that much at college because I wasn't the best at school," he said. "I've always been dead interested and keen on bricklaying. It is a learning curve. I never thought I'd be the third best in the country! The passion I've got for it is unreal.

"I love being outside. The lads I work with are all old brickies. My mentor Phil Gibson taught me everything I know.

"My dream now is to have my own firm and build my own home."

Michael’s employer Carl Stafford said, “We are very pleased with the result. Our company obviously focuses on quality brickwork and this has been reflected in the result. We fully support Michael."

Build Skills Plus centre manager Mark Burgess added: “Both myself and Michael’s tutor Daniel Marshall were impressed by the pride he takes with his brickwork and attention to detail produced on the day.

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"To gain a top three in a national competition is really very special.

"Congratulations Michael, a fantastic achievement!"