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Education Partnership North East celebrates continued construction competition success

July 4, 2025

Top-performing group Education Partnership North East (EPNE) continues to cement its reputation as a leader in construction through its extraordinary and sustained success in prestigious skills competitions. 

In recent years, EPNE has been unrivalled in its representation and results, with a apprentices and students from Sunderland College and Northumberland College consistently excelling in the Guild of Bricklayers, World Skills UK and Inter-College events, collecting multiple awards and becoming highly sought after professionals in the construction industry. 

Sunderland College apprentice Ciaran Clasper’s triumph in the 2025 Guild of Bricklayers Northern Region Finals at Redcar and Cleveland College and progression to the National Finals of the is the latest success in an impressive track record. 

Since 2018, apprentices and students representing the group have won 12 regional and national finals, with eight runners up and two third place finishes, each showcasing their exceptional skills, innovative technique, dedication and craftsmanship. 

Last year, EPNE became the only college group in England and Wales to have competitors in both categories of the Guild of Bricklayers National Finals – a testament to the depth of talent at the group’s colleges. 

Jimmy Stobbart, Construction & Building Services Curriculum Manager at Sunderland College and World Skills UK Educator said: “Winning these competitions not only highlights our students’ and apprentices’ skills but also reinforces EPNE’s position as a leader in construction education. 

“Their achievements also reflect the exceptional training and support they receive from our curriculum team, and we’re incredibly proud of their achievements.” 

As well as offering the opportunity to demonstrate their skills against some of the region’s most talented bricklayers and gain industry recognition, the competitions provide students and apprentices with invaluable experience that translates directly into their studies and careers. 

Simulating real site conditions, they require competitors to work under pressure, meet strict briefs, and complete structures within tight deadlines. 

Jimmy adds: “The events teach more than just technical skills. They build confidence, resilience and a professional mindset, essential for thriving in the construction industry. Our students and apprentices are ready to tackle real-world challenges from day one.” 

The contests also foster camaraderie and a spirit of healthy competition, motivating learners to continually improve while building a network within the industry. 

Cieran, who also won the Junior Guild of Bricklayers Competition in 2024 and was a national finalist in the 2023 Guild of Bricklayers competition, said: “I started full-time at Sunderland College, tried bricklaying out and loved it.  

“I was proud to represent the college and my employer against was eager to test my skills against the best in the UK. Competing in the Guild of Bricklayers competitions has been truly life changing.” 

His employer, Ryan Pink of Strictly Bricks, added: “Cieran will go on to form one of the best bricklaying squads in the country in years to come. Taking part in these prestigious events has helped his confidence immensely.” 

Students and apprentices across EPNE’s Construction & Building Services curriculum have also excelled in their studies, raising their levels of achievement because of competing in the competitions.  EPNE is consistently ranked among the top-performing colleges for student achievement in its T Level and technical courses, and apprenticeship pass rates are above the national average. 

Of those who have competed in the competitions, all are employed within the construction industry with several progressing to site manager positions, set up their own successful companies – with their own apprentices training at EPNE – or have progressed in their education. 

John Scott was the first apprentice to represent Sunderland College in the Guild of Bricklayers National Finals, achieving three distinctions in his end point exams and was shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the North East Apprenticeship Awards and Sunderland Business Excellence Awards. 

In 2024 he said: “I had an amazing three years at the college. My skills have been nurtured to be the best they can be, enabling me to represent Sunderland College both locally and nationally at bricklaying competitions. 

“My lecturer Jimmy has not just taught me bricklaying skills but also taught me life skills that I will take into my future career with Persimmon Homes.” 

Michael Johnson, Regional Apprenticeship Manager for the Northeast, Durham and Teesside at Persimmon Homes, said: “John’s accomplishments will inspire others to join the construction industry.” 

Heading down the wrong path, studying at Sunderland College and competing in skills competitions helped former apprentice Jame-Lee Keighley turn his life around. At 15, he was expelled from school and struggled with his emotions, but the death of his grandfather was a turning point in his life. 

Finding an outlet in bricklaying, Jamie’s talent was recognised at Sunderland College, who helped him secure an apprenticeship. Following his performance in a demanding six-hour pressure test, he dedicated his win in the World Skills UK Educator Programme competition to his late grandfather. 

He said: “The competition meant a lot to me, so I knew in my heart I had to win. Bricklaying has saved my life and made me want a better future. It has helped me realise my ambitions and want to become the best bricklayer in the North East.” 

Committed to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals through a changemaking curriculum, EPNE has a proven track record of equipping students with changemaker mindsets, and the knowledge and experience needed to excel in their careers. With industry-standard facilities and a team of experience educators, the group continues to set the standard for excellence in construction education. 

The consistent success of EPNE’s apprentices and students in skills competitions has earned the group national recognition, attracting aspiring construction professionals from across the North East to study. 

Ellen Thinnesen, CEO of EPNE, said: “Engaging our students in experiences through competition work such as WorldSkills and the Guild of Bricklayers builds their confidence and raises their aspirations, develops industry standard competencies, enhances the continued development of our technical specialists, and strengthens our relationships with industry.” 

College updates

View all updates
  • Sunderland College proud to be Outstanding

    Sunderland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.

    November 26, 2024

    Read more

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