Students from Southern Regional College took part in The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) annual SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024 competition at South West College Technology and Skills Centre, Enniskillen.
The competition is designed to test skills, technique, ability within tight timeframes, and identifies the top performers in 12 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.
Over 100 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, Fire and Security, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering Dry Wall Systems, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
The College’s students picked up an impressive medal tally of eight medals; four gold medals and four silver medals. These medal winning students were:
| Place | Name | Trade area |
| 1st Gold Medal | Mathew Carswell | Bricklaying |
| 1st Gold Medal | Thomas Maguire | Plastering |
| 1st Gold Medal | Jonathan Gough | Electrical installation |
| 1st Gold Medal | Kirsty Leigh Stewart | Painting and Decorating |
| 2nd Silver Medal | Mathew McCready | Plastering |
| 2nd Silver Medal | Dean Frazer | Wall and Floor tiling |
| 2nd Silver Medal | Richard Loughran | Painting and Decorating |
| 2nd Silver Medal | Adam Skelton | Electrical installation |
At the event, Painting and Decorating lecturer Patrick Maguire was awarded a special recognition award from CITB NI for his contribution to the skills competitions. Patrick has tutored many award-winning students and has accompanied students on the journey to SkillBuild UK success.
SkillBuild NI Regional Competition is part of a regional qualifier. Students from the College may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK national final held later in the year.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. 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 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.”
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, added:
“The success of our students and the special recognition award for our lecturer Patrick Maguire is a spectacular achievement for our competitors, Patrick and the College. This achievement once more highlights the expertise of our lecturers. However, this success is not without the substantial support provided by the College’s Senior Management Team who have invested time and financial assistance to secure the continued success of our student competitors. Recent upgrades to our facilities by the estates team should also be commended. These combined efforts have significantly enhanced training and skills development for our learners.
Congratulations once more to all, and I eagerly await the announcement of students moving forward to represent the College and Northern Ireland at the UK finals in November.”
For further details on SkillBuild NI and CITB NI support for apprenticeships and employers visit www.citbni.org.uk.
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CLANRYE NEWS 