Menu
20/04/2011
Local Apprentices Showcase Excellence At Skillbuild
Construction apprentices from all over Northern Ireland tested their skills in the largest multi-trade skills competition in Northern Ireland at South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Newtownards campus.
Providing a unique stage to showcase excellence and talent, Skillbuild NI is held annually each spring, with over 100 of the top construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in 13 different craft areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK Skillbuild Finals and potentially the UK at WorldSkills.
Skillbuild NI competition test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work and be economical with materials while working to strict timescales – all essential requirements for today's construction industry. The competition not only encourages trainees to improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations across NI to meet local industry skill needs.
Commending the competitors on their hard work and dedication shown in their area of expertise, Alan Shannon, the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: "The Skillbuild Northern Ireland competition allows our young apprentices to demonstrate that they have the high level of skills which our economy needs to stay competitive. Skillbuild, as with all skills competitions, is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training, and industry benefits from having more skilful, highly motivated staff."
David Cooper, Chairman of Skillbuild NI, said: "Skills competitions are an excellent way to showcase the high level of technical ability and occupational competence of young people within the construction industry. Competitions such as these have a major role to play in stimulating interest by showing the public just how exciting, challenging and rewarding a career in construction can be. Recruiting the talent of the future is a challenge our industry must meet if we are to avoid the skills gaps of the past. We are hopeful that Northern Ireland can once again produce medal winning members of Team UK such as Fermanagh apprentice Trevor Woods who won a bronze medal in joinery at the last WorldSkills competition held in Calgary in Canada in 2009."
(CD)
Providing a unique stage to showcase excellence and talent, Skillbuild NI is held annually each spring, with over 100 of the top construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in 13 different craft areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in the UK Skillbuild Finals and potentially the UK at WorldSkills.
Skillbuild NI competition test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work and be economical with materials while working to strict timescales – all essential requirements for today's construction industry. The competition not only encourages trainees to improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations across NI to meet local industry skill needs.
Commending the competitors on their hard work and dedication shown in their area of expertise, Alan Shannon, the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: "The Skillbuild Northern Ireland competition allows our young apprentices to demonstrate that they have the high level of skills which our economy needs to stay competitive. Skillbuild, as with all skills competitions, is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training, and industry benefits from having more skilful, highly motivated staff."
David Cooper, Chairman of Skillbuild NI, said: "Skills competitions are an excellent way to showcase the high level of technical ability and occupational competence of young people within the construction industry. Competitions such as these have a major role to play in stimulating interest by showing the public just how exciting, challenging and rewarding a career in construction can be. Recruiting the talent of the future is a challenge our industry must meet if we are to avoid the skills gaps of the past. We are hopeful that Northern Ireland can once again produce medal winning members of Team UK such as Fermanagh apprentice Trevor Woods who won a bronze medal in joinery at the last WorldSkills competition held in Calgary in Canada in 2009."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 August 2010
Apprenticeships 'Better Preparation For Life'
Completing an apprenticeship can be better preparation for the world of work than gaining a university qualification, according to research carried out by leading building company Rok.
Apprenticeships 'Better Preparation For Life'
Completing an apprenticeship can be better preparation for the world of work than gaining a university qualification, according to research carried out by leading building company Rok.
05 March 2008
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
21 March 2012
Council Recruiting Heritage Skills Trainees
Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently recruiting for more heritage skills trainees and has put an additional bid in to the Heritage Lottery Fund for further funding.
Council Recruiting Heritage Skills Trainees
Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently recruiting for more heritage skills trainees and has put an additional bid in to the Heritage Lottery Fund for further funding.
08 December 2008
Ten Thousand Apprenticeship Places To Be Created
At least 10,000 apprenticeships will be created in spite of the contraction in the economy, as the Bill which launched the National Apprenticeship Service was announced last week by John Denham and Ed Balls.
Ten Thousand Apprenticeship Places To Be Created
At least 10,000 apprenticeships will be created in spite of the contraction in the economy, as the Bill which launched the National Apprenticeship Service was announced last week by John Denham and Ed Balls.
23 March 2009
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
