NRC hopefuls who are currently attending the Newtownabbey campus include Michael Surgenor, Ryan Cree and Noel McGinley who are competing in the Brickwork category, Matthew Wallace (Carpentry), Alister Armstrong (Joinery) and Ryan Forsythe and Aaron Moore who are both competing in the Plumbing Pipework category.
Michael Surgenor a past pupil of Ballyclare Secondary School progressed from the 14+ schools programme to Bricklaying Levels 1 & 2 and is now doing a Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI programme. Michael has participated in the NRC Intercampus Skillbuild competition for the last three years and came first in 2012/13. He has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year 2014.
Noel McGinley a past student of Parkhall College in Antrim progressed from Bricklaying Levels 1 & 2 at NRC and is now on an Apprenticeship Level 3 which will be completed in Summer 2014.
Ryan Cree a past student of Glengormley High School, successfully progressed from Skills for Work Level 1 and is now a Programme-led Apprenticeship Level 2. Ryan hopes to progress to a Level 3 Apprenticeships NI programme at NRC.
Matthew Wallace and Alister Armstrong are both past pupils of Ballyclare Secondary School are both currently undertaking the Level 2 programme.
Ryan Forsythe is a past pupil of Monkstown Community School and Aaron Moore is a past pupil of Glengormley High School. Both trainees are representing NRC in the plumbing/pipwork category.
This competition not only encourages trainees to improve their own skills, but provides an example of the high quality work being produced in training organisations and colleges across NI. The Skillbuild test pieces are designed to challenge the ability of apprentices, testing skills within tight timeframes and the competitors are being continuously assessed throughout the 2 day competition.
The competition has the support of local construction employers who sponsor each category and has the overall support from, The Department for Employment and Learning, Construction Employers Federation, Haldane Fisher, Snickers Workwear and City and Guilds.
For further information on careers available in the Construction Industry please come to the ‘NRC Information Evening on Careers in Construction’ at the Newtownabbey campus, on Monday, 12 May from 5pm to 7pm. Expert staff will be on hand to advise you on the broad range of construction courses on offer at the College from Work Based Learning/Apprenticeships; Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas (A Level equivalent courses) and Degree level courses.
