News
Construction Apprentices Compete to be the best in their trade at Skillbuild NI 2019
Over 80 local construction apprentices gathered their tools to compete against each other in the annual Skillbuild NI National Finals which was held at Belfast Metropolitan College, Castlereagh on Friday 22 March 2019.
Skillbuild NI organised by CITB NI and supported by the Department for the Economy and local sponsors helps assist with maintaining and raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
The competition is held annually each spring with many winners progressing further to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills and is also supported by local construction employers who sponsor each trade category
The Skillbuild NI competition is designed to test skills, technique and ability within tight timeframes in order to win coveted titles in 10 different trades ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling.
Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI said: “ CITB NI is proud to have been involved in construction skills competitions for over 40 years and we have a record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level
Skillbuild NI is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the high level of skills we possess and the impressive talent of our workforce. It reflects the high standards of training in our colleges and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the competitors.
Congratulations to everyone who has taken part and those who have excelled in their trade. Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and the training network and we extend our thanks to all who have helped the apprentices to be able to compete at this competition. Our young people are more ambitious now than ever and we hope that Skillbuild NI National Finals will be part of their journey and future careers within the construction industry.
Belfast Met Principal and CEO, Marie-Thérèse McGivern said, “
Belfast Met Principal and CEO, Marie-Thérèse McGivern, said: “I am so very proud of the Belfast Met Science, Engineering and Construction team in addition to our college support staff for hosting and organising such a fantastic Skillbuild event in collaboration with CITB NI. Well done to all the winners from each of the colleges including our own Thomas Ellison and Finn Steadman from Belfast Met who achieved gold and bronze in carpentry – I am sure you all have wonderful careers in industry ahead of you.
The event highlights Belfast Met’s excellence and commitment to training in the construction and building services area which it has been successfully doing since 1906.”
Pictured – Scott Barr from SERC who won the Haldane Fisher Cup for the best Skillbuild NI apprentice with Sarah Travers and Maurice Johnston, CITB NI Chairman.