*Video* Students Put to The Test in Skill Build Competition

SERC recently held Skill Build competitions across its Downpatrick, Newtownards and Lisburn campuses, allowing students to showcase their abilities.

Skillbuild NI is organised by CITB NI and supported by the Department for the Economy and helps to assist with maintaining and raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.

The competition is held annually each spring with many winners progressing further to represent Northern Ireland in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills.

The Skillbuild NI competition is designed to test skills, technique and ability within tight timeframes to win coveted titles in different trades ranging from joinery to light vehicle.   

SERC Head of School Construction and Engineering John Nixon, said that “Skill Build provides a unique stage for trainees to showcase their skills and expertise and motivates them to reach the highest standards in trade careers. It was a very successful competition. I was impressed with the high standard of workmanship displayed and this was commented on by the various judges.”

Caption: Downpatrick Motor Vehicle: Staff and Students in Downpatrick enjoyed a successful light vehicle Skill Build competition, pictured (L-R) Cody Dempster, Sam Kerr, Shea King who finished in 3rd place, Hugh Kelly, Harry McCarroll who placed 2nd, Andrew Kenmore who won the competition, Scott Lowry, Alan Kerr, Paul Churchman and Johnny Stewart

Captions: Main Pic: Newtownards Bricklaying Skill Build: 1st place Level 2 Bricklaying Apprentice Adam Fitzsimons from Downpatrick, employed by Michael Polly Contracts with Rachel McKeeman, Director of Industry Training & Support at Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).

Captions for slideshow: 

Newtownards Electrical Skill Build: 1st place Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprentice Michael Lamont from Belfast, employed by P Dougan Electrical Services, with Rachel McKeeman, Director of Industry Training & Support at Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).

Lisburn Carpentry: Nathan McNeil collects his award for finishing first in the competition. 

Lisburn Joinery: David Furley collects his award for finishing first in the competition.

Lisburn Plastering: Jake Beckett collects his award for finishing first in the competition.