Three local construction apprentices are celebrating their success at the UK Skillbuild national finals held at South Birmingham College last week.

James Ross (18) from South Eastern Regional College and Trevor Woods (18) from South West College both achieved silver medals in carpentry and joinery respectively and Michael Jones (19) from Rutledge Joblink, Fermanagh received bronze in the plastering category. The young students represented Northern Ireland at this prestigious competition and competed against other regional winners from all over the UK in each of the trade disciplines.

-- Advertisement --

Skillbuild is a national competition promoting excellence amongst young craftspeople in the UK. All students qualified for the National finals via a selection process held earlier this year.

David Cooper, Chairman, Skillbuild NI said: "This is a superb achievement for all the apprentices that competed last week. Through skills competitions we have the opportunity not only to demonstrate the high levels of skills that young people can achieve, but also continue to improve the standards of young apprentices across all construction crafts for the future benefits of the industry."

Also congratulating the success of the three apprentices, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: "These apprentices have clearly demonstrated the high level of skills training which is undertaken in our local Further Education colleges and independent training organisations. Northern Ireland apprentices have a proud history of success in the UK Skillbuild competition and it is clear that competing at the highest levels builds skills and confidence, leading to better career prospects and personal development."

(CL)