Three South West College students are celebrating their special awards at the national final of SkillBuild, the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.
Carpentry student Phillip Glasgow (21) from Cookstown scooped gold, carpentry student Bryan McGurk (18) from Carrickmore was awarded bronze and floor and wall tiling student Mark Woods (21) from Lack also brings home bronze.
The trio, who beat off competition from almost 1,000 other entrants, were presented with their awards by celebrity builder Tommy Walsh at a glittering ceremony and reception at Preston Guild Hall which was attended by esteemed industry members, sponsors, academics and peers.
Phillip was also recognised as overall best student in trades when he was declared winner of the Frank Eaton Award, awarded to the SkillBuild Finalist who proved himself to be the SkillBuild Finalist of the Year. It was presented to Phillip by Martyn Price, chairman of the SkillBuild and Skills Competitions Strategic Board.
Philip said: “I am absolutely delighted; it’s great to have won this special award. The competition was tough but it’s been worth all the hard work and preparation. I’d like to thank my college for its support and help and also everyone at SkillBuild for a great competition.”
Congratulating all three students Malachy McAleer, director South West College, said: “This is a major achievement and a huge honour for the individuals and their families. College staff relish these events as outcomes like these affirm their positive commitment to quality training.
“We are all immensely proud that this nationwide competition has recognised their outstanding talents and it is particularly significant that Phillip won the ‘gold of golds’ with the Frank Eaton Trophy. To all of three we extend our warmest congratulations and we hope the professional impression these awards give will assist in shaping their entrepeurnial futures.”