Six students from Southern Regional College have been selected to compete and represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild National Finals.

Over 90 local construction apprentices competed to win medals at the regional SkillBuild competitions in categories including Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, Plumbing and Wall & Floor Tiling.

SRC's six finalists achieved success in the Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, and Wall & Floor Tiling categories.

These competitions are designed to test students' technical abilities, technique, time management and problem-solving skills while working under pressure completing a range of different test pieces.

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The prestigious SkillBuild competition series comes with many benefits to students such as improved technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options. These competitions help students stand out from the crowd and creates many career opportunities within the construction industry.

Students competing at the finals from the Newry, Mourne & Down area are Niall Rice from Castlewellan (Brickwork), Joshua McBride from Kilkeel (Plastering) and Conor Braniff from Portaferry (Wall & Floor Tiling).

Jacqui Hawthorne from the Armagh area will be competing at the finals in the category of Painting & Decorating.

Students competing at the finals from the Belfast area are Patryk Niedoba (Wall & Floor Tiling) and Erin McKnight (Painting & Decorating).

Brian Doran, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College said: "I extend my congratulations to our six finalists who will be competing at the SkillBuild National Finals in November. I am immensely proud of their commitment and dedication shown to reach this stage and for them in embracing all the challenges and achievements during their SkillBuild journey. I look forward to hearing of their continued success as they progress to the National Finals. We here at Southern Regional College wish you all the best in November."

The SkillBuild National Finals will take place at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023.