Students celebrate success in regional skills competition

STUDENTS from across Northern Ireland recently took part in the annual Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) Skillbuild NI regional competition 2024.

The competition, in partnership with CITB (GB) and South West College, is designed to test skills, technique, and ability within tight timeframes, identifying the top performers across different trades within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland. It serves as a platform to showcase the abundance of talent, professionalism, and the most promising recruits within the industry.

Hosted at the South West College Technology and Skills Centre in Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, 93 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland competed against each other to win in categories: Brickwork, Furniture & Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Fire and Security, Drylining, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.

There were 12 first place winners in the categories with overall young apprentice of the year.

Winners from the Northern Ireland regional competition will have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the Skillbuild UK National Finals in November.

Skillbuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and highlights some of the brightest talent in construction. Supported by 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.