Celebrating Industry Excellence
Firth continues to play an active role in supporting and leading the masonry industry with a long-standing commitment to recognising the skills and craftsmanship of those working within it. This was once again highlighted at the Master Brick & Blocklayers Conference held in Invercargill in August, where Firth proudly sponsored both the prestigious Silver Trowel and Fastest Trowel awards.
“Firth’s involvement in the Silver Trowel competition spans more than 30 years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the industry and the people who work within it,” says Christy Thompson, National Masonry & Dricon Sales Manager for Firth. “The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate the skill, craftsmanship and talent that continue to shape the masonry industry.”
Firth’s Silver Trowel Apprentice of the year Award
Apprentices from around the country, in their last year of their apprenticeship, are eligible to enter. Each of the participants must submit a portfolio to the judges where all aspects of their time as an apprentice are weighed up. This year’s winner received the prestigious Silver Trowel and a list of cash prizes and tools from the various sponsors.
Congratulations to Hamish Girvan from CF Contracting for taking out the 2026 Silver Trowel Award, with the runner up being Cam Wright from Glenn Wright Block Layers.
“It’s great to see the next generation of brick and block layers showcasing such a high level of talent and professionalism. We were happy to be there to support the future of our industry,” adds Christy.
Firth Fastest Trowel Award
Held at Southtile in Invercargill, the finalists of the Fastest Trowel Award competition were given just 20 minutes to lay as many concrete blocks as possible, followed by a 10-minute window to clean and touch up the finish with the goal of building a structurally sound, highly neat wall (often 50+ blocks) before the buzzer.
“The competition was very tough again this year,” says Christy. “In the end Tom Abbott from the Bricklaying Company in Christchurch took out the win with his massive 56 block effort, taking home the $10,000 first prize from Firth. Congratulations to all the participants in both competitions. We are excited every year to be part of these industry competitions, and we can’t wait to do so again next year.”
