South Staffordshire College Bricklaying apprentice Broden named as a Black Country Apprenticeship Awards finalist   

South Staffordshire College is celebrating Bricklaying apprentice Broden Welch, who has been named as a finalist in the Intermediate Apprentice category of the 2026 Black Country Apprenticeship Awards.

Broden, who is completing his bricklaying apprenticeship with AH Electrical and Building, based in Tamworth, chose an apprenticeship for the opportunity to earn a wage whilst learning a trade and gaining hands-on experience on site with his employer.

Working across a range of construction projects, Broden supports colleagues on site while developing his technical knowledge and practical bricklaying skills. His professionalism, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn have made him a valued member of the business.

Speaking about being named a finalist, Broden said: “I feel really proud to have been named a finalist in the Intermediate Apprentice category at the Apprenticeship Awards. It’s great to have all my hard work recognised, and I’d like to thank AH Electrical and Building and South Staffordshire College, and everyone who has supported me throughout my apprenticeship. I’ve learned so much already and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my skills and progress further in the industry and I really appreciate the opportunities that have been given to me”.

The awards shortlisting adds to Broden’s growing list of achievements. He has represented AH Electrical and Building and South Staffordshire College in the highly respected Super Trowel Competition, where he showcased his technical ability, confidence and professionalism. He is also preparing to compete again this year and is also set to take part in the prestigious Guild of Bricklayers Competition.

Doug Benson, Apprenticeship Practitioner for Bricklaying at South Staffordshire College, said “Being named a finalist in the Intermediate Apprentice category at the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards is well-deserved recognition of Broden’s achievements. Broden works exceptionally well in the practical areas of brickwork, demonstrating strong practical skills, accuracy and a commitment to producing high-quality work. He also has a good understanding of the theoretical aspects of brickwork technology, showing his ability to apply his knowledge and understanding effectively to his practical work. His willingness to represent the college and his employer in leading competitions reflects his passion for brickwork and determination to excel. Broden is a credit to the apprenticeship sector and has an extremely bright future ahead of him with his employer AH Electrical and Building who have supported Broden throughout his training and have provided him with good solid work experience”

Broden’s contributions have also had a positive impact at AH Electrical and Building, where he supports projects effectively and demonstrates maturity beyond his years. His commitment to excellence makes him a positive role model for current and future apprentices.

Speaking on behalf of AH Building and Electrical, Owner Alex Hardwick said: “When Broden started he was a very quiet shy person, never done a hard day’s work and gave the broom a headache on his first day. Throwing him in the deep end of mixing mortar and shifting thousands of bricks, he quickly showed that he wanted to learn both on the tools and in college. He’s really stepped up massively to help lay up to 1000 bricks a day, to building roofs or concreting floors, he will always do his best to do the job the right way and has a desire to always want to do and learn more. He’s a very valued apprentice for our company and a pleasure to have him with us. I have no doubt that Broden will go a long way in the building trade.”

Aidan Mansfield, Curriculum Manager for Construction at South Staffordshire College, said: “Broden is a fantastic young person and a model apprentice who thoroughly deserves this recognition. Being named a finalist in the Intermediate Apprentice category at the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and professionalism he has demonstrated throughout his apprenticeship. He continually strives to develop his skills both in college and in the workplace, and his willingness to represent the college and his employer in prestigious industry competitions reflects his passion for brickwork and determination to succeed. Broden is a credit to the apprenticeship sector, and we are extremely proud of everything he has achieved so far. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and I have no doubt he will continue to excel within the construction industry.”

Broden will join fellow finalists at the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards on Thursday 19th November at the Park Hall Hotel & Spa in Wolverhampton for the awards event. The evening will celebrate apprentices from across the region, alongside the employers, training providers and mentors who support them. South Staffordshire College wishes Broden the best of luck.