SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for young students and apprentices. The winners of the intercampus competition will progress to the Northern Ireland regional finals and may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillsShow UK and potentially at WorldSkills.
Speaking at the awards presentation, David Russell, Assistant Head of Department for Engineering and Built Environment at Northern Regional College said:
“SkillBuild gives our students a fantastic experience to enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen trade. We have really skilled individuals across all of our campuses, so it’s fantastic that they get a chance to demonstrate their ability and potential and have the opportunity to test their skills against those of their peers.”
David Cooper, Director of CITB NI, who awarded the worthy winners their certificates, commented:
“We at CITB NI are consistently impressed by the skill demonstrated by the apprentices and trainees who take part in Northern Regional College’s intercampus heat of the SkillBuild NI competition. The colleges continue to be at the forefront of driving talent in the construction industry thanks to the high standards of training and commitment inherent to their teaching and their co-operation with industry.”
“Congratulations to all those who took part today, and especially to those who excelled in their category and will have the opportunity to further demonstrate their talent in the SkillBuild NI Finals on 22nd March in Belfast Metropolitan College’s Castlereagh Campus.”
This year, the winners of the carpentry category were: in first place, Patrick McCloskey, in second place James Drennan, and in third place, Christopher Dobbin.
The winners of the joinery category were: in first place, James Watton, in second place Michael O’Boyle, and in third place, Tommie Robinson.
The winners of the bricklaying category were: in first place, Ashton Logan, in second place Andrew McSorley, and in third place, Derek McMullan.
The winners of the plumbing category were: in first place, Abigail Reilly, in second place Nathan Chan, and in third place, Andrew Bailie.
The winners of the electrical installation category were: in first place, Connor McElhinney, in second place Mark Fullerton, and in third place, Martin Quinn.