BMet Senior Director’s expertise used to identify and reward UK bricklaying talent

A highly skilled senior director at BMet, is playing a pivotal role in identifying future UK bricklaying talent, through key judging roles.

Andy Lees, who is the Senior Director for curriculum, innovation, and Director of Construction at BMet, has recently been chosen to judge in the prestigious National House Building Council (NHBC) Apprenticeship Bricklaying Competition and in the Northern and Southern “Super Trowel” regional events.

Andy was selected to judge in the leading UK competitions because of his widely respected expertise in the construction industry.

As a senior director at James Watt College, Andy has developed and delivered high-quality vocational training programmes, including bricklaying and construction management. His involvement within these competitions, supports his dedication to promoting bricklaying as a valid route for new entrants to the industry.

The NHBC, is a UK-based organisation dedicated to raising construction standards and protecting homeowners. The annual competition, which takes place at their training school centre in Tamworth, recognises and rewards exceptional young talent in the bricklaying trade.

Andy was invited to join a panel of expert judges, due to his deep understanding of the bricklaying craft and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

The competition, which attracted talented apprentices from across the country, was designed to assess the participants’ technical skills, knowledge, and ability to work effectively under pressure. The judges evaluated each apprentice’s brickwork quality, efficiency, and adherence to NHBC standards.

Andy, along with the other judges, carefully observed the apprentices as they worked on their assigned projects.

He said: “I assessed their ability to lay bricks accurately and their compliance with NHBC standards, whilst ensuring structural integrity. The competition was a demanding test of the apprentices’ skills, and I was impressed by the high level of talent on display.

“One of the key factors considered during the judging process was the apprentices’ attention to detail. I observed how carefully they aligned bricks, maintained even mortar joints, and ensured the overall appearance of their work was neat and professional. In addition to technical skills, the judging team and I also evaluated the apprentices’ work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and safety practices.”

The NHBC apprentice bricklaying competition enabled Andy to connect with other industry experts and recognise the outstanding talent within the next generation of bricklayers. His involvement also highlighted the importance of vocational training and the role it plays in addressing the skills shortage in the construction sector.

The Super Trowel: Celebrating Craftmanship regional events, were hosted by Warrington and Vale College and Hertfordshire College. They are a celebration of the art and skill of bricklaying against the clock, as the fastest practicing bricklayers in the country complete to lay as many bricks as possible within an hour – to the required standard displaying their mastery of the trade.

As someone who has dedicated their career to construction being a judge for these events, allowed Andy to “go back to his roots” as a bricklayer.

Speaking of his judging roles, Andy said: I’m proud to be a bricklayer and anything that showcases the trade at its best, is great to be involved in. It was an honour to contribute to the recognition of talented individuals and to support the continued development of this essential trade.

“Being a judge at Super trowel and NHBC competitions was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It allowed me to witness first-hand the incredible talent and dedication currently practicing within the industry and the next generation of bricklayers coming through at the NHBC centre.

“Super trowel offers the platform to see experienced trades compete with fellow trades persons, to establish the “fastest trowel in the country title. Events like this can provide inspiration for anyone that intends to enter the industry. It was great to spend some time with fellow bricklayers showcasing their abilities in the craft.”

In addition, Andy has been offered the prestigious post of Regional Lead Judge for Super Trowel 2025, and he is looking forward to judging again soon.