Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI has announced that local students secured six medals and four highly commended awards at the 2023 SkillBuild National Final.

Representing local colleges, 16 local construction students took part in SkillBuild which is

delivered by the and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

The NI Regional Qualifier took place at North West College, Limavady earlier this year and the National Final took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21 to 23 November. The event attracted around 1,000 visitors, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.

Across the three days competitors had to construct a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tests the individual's knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols.

-- Advertisement --

Barry Neilson OBE, CITB NI Chief Executive, said: "Huge congratulations to all the competitors, it is a fantastic achievement to compete at this level and be ambassadors for the colleges, employers and their trades. At a time when the industry is going through a skills shortage, it's vital that we support this next generation of talent and encourage them to pursue their passions.

"It is an incredible achievement that 6 medals and 4 highly commended awards came back to Northern Ireland, this is great news for the competitors the colleges and the local training network."

The winners from NI are:

Painting and Decorating

1st – Jacqui Hawthorne, Southern Regional College

Plastering

3rd – Josh McBride, Southern Regional College

Plastering and Drywall Systems

1st – Shaun McKenna, Errigal

2nd – Joshia Buchanan-Buxton, Errigal

3rd – Thomas Donnelly, Errigal

Wall and Floor Tiling

1st – Patryk Niedoba – Southern Regional College

Highly Commended

Carpentry – Bailey Gibson - Northern Regional College

Plastering & Dry Wall – Thomas Aitchison Errigal

Plastering & Dry Wall – Owen Quinn – Errigal

Joinery – Jamie Matthews – Northern Regional College

The sponsors of this year's SkillBuild include: British Gypsum, Crown Paints, BAL Adhesives, NFRC, TARMAC, SPAX, Schluter, Weber, The Tile Association, Nicobond, Stabila, The Keystone Group, Forterra, tesa, Tilgear, Permavent, SR Timber, BMI Redland, Stone Restoration Services, Midland Lead, Hambleside Danelaw, NSITG, Rollins Group, Albion Stone, and Felder Group.