Seb Clarke, 20, is a bricklayer apprentice and competed in local and regional heats earlier this year.

Norwich Evening News: Seb showing off his bricklaying skills at the competitionSeb showing off his bricklaying skills at the competition (Image: Archant)

He already achieved gold a number of times in bricklaying local and regional heats to go through to the finals of the SkillBuild competition.

At the event, Seb fought off tough competition from over 90 construction trainees around the country to claim silver.

Seb said: 'I'm delighted to have won the silver, its brilliant.

'There was some really tough competition so I'm chuffed to have been recognised for my hard work.

'I worked hard towards the final and it's paid off in the end.'

The event was organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in Birmingham from November 14 to 16.

Speaking after the event, CITB's Sector Strategy Manager for the East of England Catherine Bullough said: 'The standard that's been shown by the competitors over the weekend at the national finals was hugely impressive.

'It's great to see so many talented trainees coming into construction.'

Seb was taken on as a labourer with Reeve Property Restoration in 2010 while working his way through NVQ level 2 with tutor Gary Smith.

Seb credits Mr Smith with helping him progress in his career.

He said: 'Gary is someone who taught me on my first and second year of my apprenticeship where I learnt a lot, he is a very good tutor.'

Mr Smith also spoke highly of his former student.

'Seb was a dream to teach and has really good skills,' he said. 'Having someone to work with like Seb, for me is fantastic.'

Seb has ambitions of working for himself as a builder and has now completed his NVQ Level 3 and works for Reeves Property Restoration as a bricklayer.

Do you know a local person achieving national success?

Email locallife@archant.co.uk.