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Construction trainees from across the UK battled it out last
week to be crowned Britain’s best young tradesperson in the
national final of the UK’s biggest skills competition,
SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the
Sector Skills Council for the industry. |
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three day event, held at South Lanarkshire College (7-9
October), saw nearly 100 apprentices and young trades people
from across the UK battling it out to be best tradesperson
in 12 categories including carpentry, joinery, bricklaying
and painting and decorating. |
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The students celebrated their
success post-event awards dinner at Hampden Park stadium.
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The awards ceremony was opened
by television presenter, Angelica Bell, who talked to the
students about the importance of teamwork and showcasing
your talents. The ceremony also featured a key note speech
from Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of ConstructionSkills.
Earlier in the week MSP and Minister for Schools and Skills
Keith Brown, opened the competition. |
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Philip Foulkes, who was a
student at Coleg Menai was named Britain’s best young
plasterer. He spoke of his success at this year’s SkillBuild
final: “I am very excited and surprised to have won a medal
at the national final. I’ve really enjoyed taking part in
this year’s SkillBuild competition, it has been hard work
but it has definitely been worth it. I feel I have gained so
much experience and it has really helped increase my
confidence levels, as well as looking good on my CV. I would
highly recommend other young trades people to look at
entering next year’s competition.” |
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As well as winning gold in
plastering, Phillip also scooped the Frank Eaton trophy
which commemorates Frank Eaton, a former apprentice who
became chief executive and chairman of Barratt. The trophy
goes to the apprentice who demonstrates outstanding
performance and attitude during the competition. |
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Phillip continues: “I am
absolutely delighted to not only pick up the gold medal in
plastering but also to take home the Frank Eaton award.” |
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Mark Philips, Phil’s employer
explained: “I’m very proud of Phil and what he has achieved.
I think the competition has been very good for Phil as it
has improved his work and his confidence in his own
abilities.” |
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SkillBuild competitions manager,
Heather Bliss, said: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity
to encourage and recognise excellence, as well as to help
develop the future talent of the industry. The finalists are
all shining examples of what can be achieved through the
competition. I just want to say congratulations to the medal
winners they have all done exceedingly well, as well as a
big thanks to their employers and colleges for being so
supportive throughout the competition.“ |
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The winners from this year’s
national final could now be in with a chance of competing to
be the best in the world by taking part in the international
WorldSkills competition, which is held every two years and
will next take place in London in 2011. |
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Sponsors of this year’s
SkillBuild included Crown Paints Ltd, British Gypsum,
Stabila and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). |
