An Ayrshire apprentice has achieved a historic milestone in UK construction skills, with Persimmon Homes' Chantelle Muir securing an outstanding 2nd place in the SkillBuild National Final for bricklaying.

Chantelle is the first female ever to reach the podium in the highly competitive bricklaying category at the UK's largest and most prestigious construction skills competition, often described as the 'skills Olympics'.

The bricklaying apprentice travelled to Arena MK in Milton Keynes to compete against the nation's top young tradespeople. Her silver medal win came after a year that saw more than 1,000 apprentices compete across 10 construction trades nationwide. In bricklaying alone, 231 apprentices battled for one of only 10 spots in the national final.

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Chantelle, who began her apprenticeship in August 2022 and balances site work with studies at Ayrshire College, qualified for the national final after impressing judges at the Scottish regional competition in June.

Chantelle expressed her delight: "I'm absolutely delighted to have taken 2nd place at the national final and to be the first woman ever on the podium for bricklaying... I hope this inspires other young women to consider a career in construction."

William Smith, Senior Regional Apprenticeship Manager at Persimmon Homes, added: "Chantelle's historic 2nd place finish is a tremendous achievement. Her skill, determination and professionalism make her an inspirational role model for all apprentices, and we are incredibly proud of her."