The SkillBuild NI Finals were held recently at Southern Regional College, with the AutoskillsNI Finals for Heavy Vehicle Repair and Light Vehicle Repair held at South West College, Omagh Campus. The competition, which is held annually, showcases the finest apprentices in Northern Ireland. The Skillbuild NI competition is designed to test skills, technique and ability within tight timeframes in order to win coveted titles in twelve different trades ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling.
Skillbuild NI, which is now in its fortieth year, is supported by the Department for the Economy helping to assist with maintaining and raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. The competition is run and governed by CITB NI, is held annually each spring with many winners progressing further to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills.
South West College students demonstrated their exceptional apprentice skills by receiving twelve medals winners throughout the competition which included five Gold, four Silver and three Bronze Medals. Within the electrical competition South West College students received outstanding results with Piaras McErlean taking gold, Declan Goulding receiving silver and David McHugh receiving bronze, this is an unparalleled result with commendations to the electrical management and tutors within the college.
Maria Hackett, Head of Industry and Training within SWC, expressed her congratulations to all the participants who performed very well and congratulated to all the prize winners who excelled in the competitions. Maria also said “Many thanks to all the lecturers, technicians, managers, support staff and employers who worked with the trainees and prepared them for this very successful event. Thanks to the Omagh Light Vehicle and Heavy vehicle staff and managers who hosted the competition at the Killybrack and Omagh Campus sites for the AutoSkillsNI.”
Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI said: “CITB NI is proud to have been involved in construction skills competitions for 40 years. Skillbuild NI is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. Skillbuild NI gives all the competitors a chance to showcase their skills and we congratulate everyone who has taken part and those who have excelled in their trade.