Runner up spot in bench joinery was filled by first year Level 3 apprentice, Jamie McMullen from Carrickfergus and third place went to Charlie Fleck, a third year Level 3 apprentice from Broughshane who is also employed by Mivan.
Jeremiasz Guzik from Coleraine, a second year Level 2 apprentice with White Rock Log Cabins was the top performer in the Carpentry section, John Cross from Ballynure, a third year Level 3 apprentice, finished in third place in Furniture and Cabinet Making, while Morgan Finney from Newtownabbey a Level 3 apprentice with Hanna Mechanical Services picked up third place in the plumbing category.
Over 100 of the most talented top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes across Northern Ireland competed against each other at the regional finals in a bid to finish among the top three in one of the twelve skills categories: Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire and Security, Bench Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering Dry Wall Systems, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
The SkillBuild NI regional finals are part of a national skills competition and competitors who finish in the top three in their category may get an opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at the national finals later this year. When the regional qualifying competitions in England, Scotland and Wales are all completed, the top eight performers across the UK in each skill category will qualify for a place at the SkillBuild UK national finals later this year.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and supported by the Department for the Economy and local construction companies. The annual skills competitions showcase the talent and professionalism of young people working in the construction industry in Northern Ireland. The competitions are designed to test their skills, technique, and ability to work within tight timeframes, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
David Russell, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction in the Department of Advanced Technologies at Northern Regional College, said:
“The SkillBuild competitions are a fantastic opportunity for our students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge gained in their specific curriculum skill area.
“The College has some highly talented apprentices and trainees, and the competitions give them a chance to see how their skills measure up against those of their peers.”
Congratulating the apprentices on their success in the regional finals, Christine Brown, Northern Regional College’s Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning, said: “This is a great achievement for all apprentices, their employers, and for the College, as it truly is a testament to the commitment and high standards of training delivered by our Carpentry & Joinery teams.
I look forward to following these talented young apprentices as they progress in their career and wish them luck in the next stage of the competition.”
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI said:
“A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024 The event displayed remarkable talent and showcased the dedication of future construction leaders. Witnessing their enthusiasm highlights a promising future for the industry. Apprenticeships are crucial for industry growth, allowing businesses to shape their future workforce and develop necessary skills. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner SWC for the fantastic showcase of the NI talent pool throughout the competition and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”