MORE than 75 local construction apprentices gathered their tools to compete against each other in the annual Skillbuild NI National Finals.
Skillbuild NI, now in its 40th year, is supported by the Department for the Economy and helps to assist with maintaining and raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
The competition is run and governed by CITB NI and is held annually each spring with many winners progressing further to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills.
Four students from South Eastern Regional College took part in the high profile event, held in Southern Regional College, Portadown. Gary McGaughey (refrigeration and air conditioning), Curtis Johnston (plastering), Curtis Johnston and Jack Ferrris (refrigeration and air conditioning) took home one gold medal, two silver and a bronze respectively.
Skillbuild not only encourages competitors to improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations and colleges across Northern Ireland. The Skillbuild test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices to follow detailed instructions, test skills within tight timeframes, and produce neat and accurate work – all essential requirements for today’s construction environment.
Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI said: “CITB NI is proud to have been involved in construction skills competitions for 40 years. Skillbuild NI is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
“We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. Skillbuild NI gives all the competitors a chance to showcase their skills and we congratulate everyone who has taken part and those who have excelled in their trade.”