News
Success for Local Construction Students at the SkillBuild National Final
16 local construction students recently represented local colleges, training providers and employers at the SkillBuild National Final 2023 achieving 6 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze) and 4 highly commended awards in their occupational skill.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.
Following the NI Regional Qualifier, which took place at North West College, Limavady earlier this year, the National Final took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21 – 23 November. The event attracted around 1,000 visitors, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.
Across the three days competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tests the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols.
Barry Neilson OBE, CITB NI Chief Executive, said: “Huge congratulations to all the competitors, it is a fantastic achievement to compete at this level and be ambassadors for the colleges, employers and their trades. At a time when the industry is going through a skills shortage, it’s vital that we support this next generation of talent and encourage them to pursue their passions.
It is an incredible achievement that 6 medals and 4 highly commended awards came back to Northern Ireland, this is great news for the competitors the colleges and the local training network.”
Plans are now in place for the 2024 SkillBuild NI Inter Campus competitions in January/February 2024 and the Regional Final Spring 2024.
The winners from NI are:
Painting and Decorating
1st – Jacqui Hawthorne, Southern Regional College
Plastering
3rd – Josh McBride, Southern Regional College
Plastering and Drywall Systems
1st – Shaun McKenna, Errigal
2nd – Joshia Buchanan-Buxton, Errigal
3rd – Thomas Donnelly, Errigal
Wall and Floor Tiling
1st – Patryk Niedoba – Southern Regional College
Highly Commended
Carpentry – Bailey Gibson - Northern Regional College
Plastering & Dry Wall – Thomas Aitchison Errigal
Plastering & Dry Wall – Owen Quinn – Errigal
Joinery – Jamie Matthews – Northern Regional College
CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include: British Gypsum, Crown Paints, BAL Adhesives, NFRC, TARMAC, SPAX, Schluter, Weber, The Tile Association, Nicobond, Stabila, The Keystone Group, Forterra, tesa, Tilgear, Permavent, SR Timber, BMI Redland, Stone Restoration Services, Midland Lead, Hambleside Danelaw, NSITG, Rollins Group, Albion Stone, and Felder Group.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit Go Construct for more information.
Pictured is Jacqui Hawthorne Gold Medal Winner in Painting & Decorating from Southern Regional College