News
Local apprentices building on success at skills competition
Friday 18 Jun 2010
Construction apprentices from all over Northern Ireland tested their skills in the largest multi-trade skills competition in the Province at South West College, Enniskillen, on 12 & 13 May 2010.
Providing a unique stage to showcase excellence and talent, Skillbuild NI is hosted annually each spring and over 100 of the top construction apprentices competed to win coveted titles in 13 different craft areas, ranging from plumbing to brickwork and, for the first time, electrical installation. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK and World Skillbuild finals.
Skillbuild NI competition test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work outputs, be economical with materials and work to strict timescales – all essential requirements for today’s construction industry. The competition not only encourages trainees to improve their own skills but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations across NI to meet local industry skill levels.
David Cooper, Chairman of Skillbuild NI, said: “Participation in skills competitions raises the profile of the construction industry generally and encourages new entrants into the sector. It is of the utmost importance that we continue supporting young people in their chosen trades and encourage them to participate in this high profile competition. As we prepare for the upturn in the economy, it is essential that we don’t give up on training and keep encouraging new talent into industry.”
Commending the apprentices on their hard work and dedication shown in their field of expertise, Permanent Secretary for the Department for Employment and Learning, Alan Shannon, said: "Skillbuild is now firmly established in the Northern Ireland skills competitions calendar. It provides an excellent opportunity for the competitors to benchmark themselves against each other and gives the winners the opportunity to compete for medal success at a national and hopefully eventually global level."
The Permanent Secretary continued: "Skillbuild, as with all skills competitions, is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. Ensuring that Northern Ireland has a skilled workforce is fundamentally important to our economy and developing talent is a vital part of that. Skills competitions encourage technical excellence and world class standards, and industry benefits from having more skilful, highly motivated staff. "
Malachy McAleer, Director of South West College, is delighted the College has been asked to host such a prestigious event. “The College supports the NI Construction Industry and its desire to produce world standard apprentices. South West College apprentices have been very successful in recent years at Northern Ireland, UK and World Skills level competitions.
“Trevor Woods, from Lack, Co Fermanagh, and an apprentice with McAleer & Teague, won a World Skills Bronze medal last year in Canada. We are hopeful that more World Skills 2012 winners will emerge from this event. I wish all young competitors from across Northern Ireland well and know they will be made to feel welcome in Fermanagh during the two day competition."
Phillip Green from Belfast Metropolitan College winner of the Overall Skillbuild NI young apprentice award, winner of the Haldane Fisher Cup and Gold medal winner in brickwork category, celebrating his success at the Skillbuild NI Skills competition with Donna Traynor, BBC NI.
