Apprentices Showcase Top Abilities at SkillBuild

Three apprentices from Preston’s College & the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) were crowned some of the best in the North of England after competing in the SkillBuild 2017 regional heats at the Leeds College of Building.

Level 2 site carpentry apprentice, David Mosalski, who works for eBuild Joinery in Chorley, took second place in a tough heat. The adult apprentice from Chorley was asked to produce a scaled down traditional roof by interpreting a set of drawings, developing his own design and building the structure to exact measurements.

David has excelled throughout his Apprenticeship with CITB and Preston’s College, displaying a solid work ethic, dedication and excellent attendance.

Jake Bailey, a Level 2 plastering apprentice with Richard Bailey Construction, also took second place in his regional heat. The 19-year-old from Preston showcased his specialist skills through a timed project that required him to read a set of drawings and transfer these onto a wall, creating his own bespoke design and incorporating specialist plastering skills such as beading and coving.

Seventeen-year-old Jonathan Horner, an apprentice in bench joinery with Simon Gornall Joinery, also scooped third spot, Jonathan was required to manufacture a frame that included various types of complex joints.

SkillBuild is the UK’s biggest construction skills competition and has been bringing together the UK’s top tradespeople and apprentices for the last 45 years. Each of the apprentices from Preston’s College could still move onto the national final at Birmingham NEC in November, depending upon the points gained at the 14 other regional heats.

Mark Taylor, Interim Head of School for Construction & the Built Environment at Preston’s College, said: “I’m really proud of all our students that took part. SkillBuild is a great way to build confidence in the skills they possess as it tests them against some of the best young tradespeople in the country.  

“These superb results show that the knowledge and skills our students receive is aligned to industry standards and it’s great to see their abilities receiving the recognition they deserve.