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CITB NI award top GCSE Construction candidates at Annual Awards Ceremony

CITB NI recognised those who got top accolades in GCSE Construction and the Built Environment in 2016 at the Annual Chartered Institute of Building Awards held at Nutts Corner Training Centre.

The GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment has been developed by CCEA to help students develop knowledge and understanding of the construction industry and have opportunities to apply their developing knowledge and skills in relevant, enjoyable and work-related contexts.

First place was awarded to Thomas Mauger, Ballymena Academy, second place  Tiernan Allen, St Mary’s College Irvinestown and third place  Shane Dillon, St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh.
 
The students were invited to the annual Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Awards hosted by CITB NI which awarded those professionals who gained CIOB status throughout the year and included a presentation from local construction company O’Hare &McGovern on ‘The Irish Football Association’s National Football Stadium Redevelopment at Windsor Park.’
 
On presenting the awards, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB NI, said, “Congratulations to all the students who excelled in GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment.  We are delighted that you chose to study a topic that reflects an ever changing construction industry. Many other students are choosing this topic to study at GCSE, there are currently 34 schools offering the subject and in 2016, 593 pupils sat the exam.
 
We provide help and guidance on the topic via our textbook and we hope that by studying and excelling at this level you may possibly consider a career in a dynamic industry with lots of opportunities to choose from.”
 
“We were encouraged to see moderate and sustained output growth within the Northern Ireland construction sector last year however the rate of growth is less than the rest of the UK. With Brexit, the impact of apprenticeship levy and a forthcoming election it will be interesting times ahead for the industry.  Construction literally shapes the towns and cities we live in, it has built the world around us and developed landmarks that will outlive those who constructed them. Construction is a rewarding industry with a variety of opportunities on offer from project management to onsite roles with prospects for career enhancement and good earning potential.”

Pictured are the award winners with Barry Neilson Chief Executive CITB NI and Gerard Graham Chair of CIOB Belfast Hub