South Eastern Regional College (SERC) apprentices gathered their tools to compete against each other in the annual inter-campus Skillbuild competition which was held at the Lisburn Campus.
The event is designed to test and challenge the ability of its apprentices working in the construction trades including, joinery, plastering and carpentry.
The test pieces challenge the ability of apprentices to follow detailed instructions, test skills within tight timeframes, and produce neat and accurate work – all essential requirements for today’s construction environment.
The apprentices were set a test project which took a day to complete. At the end of the day their projects were judged and scored. The winners, who qualify from the Inter Campus Competitions, will represent the College and compete at the annual Skillbuild NI Regional finals later in the year. Winners may progress further to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at World Skills.
David Copper from CITB congratulated the apprentices on their achievements. Prizes were kindly sponsored by S.G Jones Lisburn, Jim’s DIY, JP Corry, D.E. Services, and Murdock’s Building Supplies.
When the results were announced, local students Graham Smyth and Jordan Hamill were celebrating taking home first and second place respectively in the plastering category.
In the cabinet making category Richard Walsh was also celebrating after winning the category, while in second place came Ben Davis and Conor Woods who finished third place. Matthew Patterson, Darren Rafferty and Martin McIntyre, finished first, second and third place respectively in the joinery category. Meanwhile in the carpentry category Ryan Fitzsimons, Nathan Simons and Curtis Sanlon finished first, second and third.
John Nixon SERC Head of School for Construction and Engineering commented on how Skillbuild benefits the students: “Skillbuild provides a unique stage for trainees to showcase their skills and motivates them to reach the highest standards in trade careers.
“The competition couldn’t happen without the support of the local employers and sponsors and we extend our thanks to all who have helped the apprentices to be able to compete at this competition and sponsored the prizes.
“SERC students are encouraged to get involved in competitions as it demonstrates to future employers the level, skill and commitment they have within their industry. Past winners have successfully progressed into employment, because they have an edge over other students, having been involved in these types of competitions.”
SERC provides a range of full and part-time courses. For information please call 0345 600 7555, visit:
Results:
- SERC plastering apprentice Graham Smyth from Newtownards won first place at the College inter-campus Skill Build competition. Graham is pictured with SERC deputy head of school for construction Alex Moorehead.
- SERC plastering apprentice Jordan Hamil from Hillsborough finished second place at the College inter-campus Skill Build competition. Jordan is pictured with SERC deputy head of school for construction Alex Moorehead.
- SERC carpentry apprentice Richard Walsh from Lisburn finished first place in the college inter-campus Skill Build competition in the cabinet making category. Richard is pictured with SERC deputy head of school for construction Alex Moorehead.
- SERC carpentry apprentice Ben Davis from Lisburn finished second place in the college inter-campus Skill Build competition. Ben is pictured with SERC deputy head of school for construction Alex Moorehead.
- SERC carpentry apprentice Conor Woods from Banbridge finished third place in the college inter-campus Skill Build competition.
- SERC joinery apprentice Martin McIntyre from Castlewellan finished third place in SERCs Skill Build competition in the joinery category.
- SERC joinery apprentice Darren Rafferty from Downpatrick finished second place in the inter-campus skill build competition.
- SERC joinery apprentice Matthew Patterson from Lisburn finished first place in the joinery category of the inter-campus Skill Build competition.
- Curtis Sanlon from Lisburn finished third place in the SERCs inter-campus Skill Build Competition.
- Nathan Fitzsimmons from Lisburn finished second place in SERC’s carpentry category.
- Ryan Fitzsimmons from Lisburn finished first place in the carpentry category.
