Louise Watson, DFE, Sarah Travers, Barry Nielson, CITB and Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, NWRC, pictured at Skillbuild NI Finals at NWRC Greystone Campus.
NWRC Wall and Floor Tiling student Tim Gilmore took away a bronze medal at the competition which featured over 90 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across
Northern Ireland competed against each other to win in categories: Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering Dry Wall Systems, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor
Tiling.
Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at North West Regional College said: “NWRC was honoured to host the prestigious Skillbuild competition at our Greystone Campus in Limavady.
“There was an exciting and energetic atmosphere on the day and we thank all of the visitors who attended and
supported the students.
“This competition demonstrates excellence in construction skills training at all Northern Irelands Further Education Colleges.
“The standard of work on display was exceptional and I wish all the winners every success as they progress to
the next stage of the national competitions.
“Their success is a credit to the Further Education sector lecturers and partner employers who have been
supporting them in advance of the intense competition.
“I would also like to thank the teams at NWRC and CITB NI for their work in bringing this prestigious
competition to the North West.”
The Skillbuild competition is designed to test skills, technique, ability within tight timeframes, and identifies the top performers in 11 different trade areas within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland.
It is a showcase of the wealth of talent, professionalism, and the brightest recruits throughout the industry.
The finals are part of a regional qualifier and winners may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK national final which, for the first time, will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes
on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023.
Supported by the Department for the Economy and local construction companies, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive talent within the workforce, as well as raising
the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, said: “A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the annual SkillBuild NI 2023 competitions.
“There was an incredible amount of talent on display.
“It was great to see the enthusiasm and commitment from a new generation of construction industry leaders – the future of the industry is looking very bright!
NWRC student Stephan Duffy pictured at the CITB NI SkillBuild NI Finals at NWRC’s Greystone Campus.
“Offering young people apprenticeships gives businesses the chance to play an active role in developing their future workforce as well as creating the future skills that they need to help their businesses develop.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner NWRC for the fantastic showcase of the NI talent pool
throughout the competition and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
For further details on SkillBuild NI and CITB NI support for apprenticeships and employers visit www.citbni.org.uk.
Follow CITBNI on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn #SkillBuildNI2023.
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