Six South Eastern Regional College (SERC) apprentices will represent the college at two major skills competitions bringing together competitors from across the UK.

Four will compete against 80 entrants at the SkillBuild National Final, taking place at Arena MK in Milton Keynes on 18 and 19 November 2026.

In carpentry, Matthew Rutherford, 22, from Bangor, is employed by Gareth McCartney, while Odhran Barlow, 24, from Loughinisland, works for PM Construction. Both are undertaking the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry and Joinery.

David Johnston, 21, from Saintfield, will compete in plastering. He is employed by Andrew Gill and is taking the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering.

Taylor Simpson, 24, from Lisburn, will compete in cabinet making. Employed by Branniff Joinery & Fitout, he is undertaking the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry and Joinery.

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Two more apprentices will compete in automation at the WorldSkills National Final in Swansea from 18 to 20 November. Mark Sutherland, 33, from Newtownbreda, works for RLC Langford Lodge, and Shane Travers, 29, from Lisburn, is employed by Industrial Floorcare Machines. Both are taking the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics).

After the competition, eligible participants may be invited into the selection process for the UK squad for a future WorldSkills international competition in Japan.

Gary Ritchie, SERC's Deputy Principal Curriculum, said: "Competitions such as SkillBuild and WorldSkills are designed to challenge the ability of the apprentices to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work outputs, be economical with materials, all whilst working to strict timescales. The pressure will be on each apprentice to evidence all the skills and knowledge they have gained through their apprenticeships, both in class and in the workplace, to deliver on the day.

"Securing a place to compete at national level is testament to each of their abilities already. They have proved themselves to be top performers in each of their specialisms.

"We wish them every success throughout the competition. We hope they enjoy the buzz of competition, along with the camaraderie and rivalry that they are set to experience at such prestigious events."

Further information is available on the SkillBuild website, while viewers can register to watch a livestream of the WorldSkills competition.