Apprentice skills showcased at SERC

Recently apprentices from across South Eastern Regional College (SERC) participated in a day-long Inter Campus Skillbuild competition. The event is designed to test and challenge the ability of its apprentices working in the construction trades including bricklaying, electrical, joinery, plastering and refrigeration and air conditioning.

The apprentices were set a test project which took a day to complete. At the end of the day their projects were judged and scored. The winners, who qualify from the Inter Campus Competitions, will represent the College and compete at the annual Skillbuild NI Regional finals later in the year.

David Copper from CITB presented the prizes and congratulated the apprentices on their achievements. Prizes were kindly sponsored by JP Corry, Murdock Builders Merchants, DE Services, Kens Hardware Store and Jims DIY.

When the results were announced at the Lisburn campus, local students Curtis Johnston, Jordan Hamill and Graham Smith were celebrating after finishing first, second and third place respectively in the plastering category.

In the carpentry category Dylan George was also celebrating after winning the category, while in second place came George Strong and Timmy Ryan who was third. Ryan Laverty, Ryan Fitzsimmons and Matthew Patterson finished first, second and third respectively in the joinery category. Meanwhile in the refrigeration and Air Conditioning category Michael Martin, Gary McGaughey and Jake Greer finished first, second and third.

John Nixon SERC Head of School for Construction and Engineering commented on how Skillbuild benefits the students: “Skillbuild 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 with around fifty of our students participating. I was impressed with the high standard of workmanship displayed and this was commented on by the various judges.

“The success and hard work by both the students and staff was very evident throughout the competition and we look forward to the forthcoming Regional Skillbuild events.

SERC students are encouraged to get involved in competitions as it demonstrates to future employers the level, skill and commitment they have within their industry. Past winners have successfully progressed into employment, because they have an edge over other students, having been involved in these types of competitions.

SERC provides a range of full and part-time courses designed to give students’ the edge’. To find out how SERC can help you ‘get the edge’ call 0845 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: South Eastern Regional College.