China
11:24, 28-Oct-2017
China's first WorldSkills bricklaying champion challenging stereotype over labor workers
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Liang Zhibin, 19, won China’s first Bricklaying gold medal at WorldSkills Competition 2017 at Abu Dhabi last Thursday.
As “brick working” is a symbolic world standing for low-end working classes in China’s society, Liang’s achievement may change the social value and earn respect for labor workers.
Liang's achievement became the headline in Changsha local newspaper. /San Xiang Metropolitan News Photo
Liang's achievement became the headline in Changsha local newspaper. /San Xiang Metropolitan News Photo
Liang is a student at Guangzhou Institute of Technology, southern China’s Guangdong Province. In 2016, he was selected to a two-year training camp at Changsha Building Engineering School, central China’s Hunan Province in a national qualification trial.
The bricklaying competition consists of five tasks which should be completed in 4 days and 22 hours.
“It requires highly accurate horizontal level and good looking structures,” Liang introduced to Sanxiang Metropolitan News. “The cement should be applied smoothly over each brick. Visible gap between bricks is strictly forbidden."
Liang gathered 69.89 scores in the competition, which helped him to top at the competition.
Liang in the WorldSkills Bricklaying Competition. /San Xiang Metropolitan News Photo
Liang in the WorldSkills Bricklaying Competition. /San Xiang Metropolitan News Photo
“Being patient, highly concentrated and never give up are three key characteristics Liang has,” said Jiang Bixue, the director of bricklaying training camp. “He has ten more hours training every day, while others in his age are keen on video games.”
The bricklaying skills in China has made a significant breakthrough.
“Each brick wall is an artwork. Those who have delicate bricklaying skills can use their talents in many fields, such as landscape design and ancient architecture restoration,” said Lei. “In Europe, bricklayers are very welcomed and well rewarded.”
Liang topped at the bricklaying competition. / CGTN Photo
Liang topped at the bricklaying competition. / CGTN Photo
China’s delegations topped the medal table at the WorldSkills 2017 that concluded in Abu Dhabi last Thursday with 15 gold medals, seven silvers, eight bronzes and 12 medallions.
CGTN Photo
CGTN Photo
Chinese audience cheered up in the closing ceremony at WorldSkills 2017. / The National Photo
Chinese audience cheered up in the closing ceremony at WorldSkills 2017. / The National Photo
WorldSkills Competition is named as “Olympics of Skills.” Participants’ skills represent the highest level in vocational skills over the world.