Holly Crawford finds out how Michelle Thompson built her way up to being a LEGO Master Model Builder.
AS Master Model Builder at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Birmingham, Michelle Thompson is in charge of creating, repairing and maintaining structures throughout the attraction.
“My day starts at eight a.m. when I clean Miniland so it’s ready for visitors to explore,” Michelle says.
“Miniland is a LEGO version of Birmingham made from more than 1.5 million bricks, giving a bird’s eye view of the city.
“Model buildings include the Town Hall with Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Victoria Square, The Bullring shopping centre and Edgbaston cricket ground.”
Michelle recounts just a glimpse of how much thought and effort has gone into the model.
“The buildings are scaled to minifigures where space allows, and the BT Tower is a whopping 1.73 meters, made from 4706 bricks,” she explains.
“The builds light up as day turns into night to make it more realistic.”
Sometimes the work of a Master Builder is ensuring there’s enough for the next generation to work with!
“I check our stock of LEGO to make sure there’s enough bricks to go around!
“Miniland gives children the chance to build their own creations and go wherever their imagination takes them, which requires lots of bricks!
“I also fix any models that need maintaining.”
It’s one of the few places where adults are the “plus ones”, rather than the kids.
“The brilliant thing about LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is adults are welcome – if they’re accompanied by a child!
“Children benefit from LEGO exponentially,” Michelle continues. “Unlike school, LEGO gives a creative outlet where they can build whatever they want with no wrong answers.
“They are free to explore and learn through play, which is one of the reasons I love it.
“I like to be in my workshop when we open to chat about my creations to the children, and give them some top tips.”
The workshop is where Michelle does some of her most important work.
“I recently made a replica carriage for a display celebrating the King’s coronation, which included a procession of soldiers with horses and musical instruments and, of course, a street party!”
Alongside the routine aspects of the work, Michelle gets to oversee how the toy can be used to inspire the next generation of scientists and builders.
“Other jobs include ordering LEGO for the attraction and the creative workshops I help run,” she says. “I give interviews, complete administrative work and deliver presentations.
“Occasionally I attend first aid and LEGO Education training
