Department for Employment and Learning Deputy Secretary Catherine Bell said: “Skillbuild NI is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the high level of skills we possess and the impressive talent of our workforce. It reflects the high standards of training in our Colleges and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the competitors. As with all skills competitions, Skillbuild NI is about raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. We have a proud record of success at skills competitions not only on a local level but also on a regional, national and world level. I congratulate the ten young competitors who have been selected to represent the UK Squad, and I look forward to seeing how many progress to the prestigious Worldskills competition in Abu Dhabi in 2017.”
Electrical Installation trainee Philip Aiken collected Silver and his fellow apprentice Aaron Topping picked up Bronze.
Matthew Murray, Head of Department for Engineering and the Built Environment congratulated Philip and Aaron on their achievement. ‘We are delighted to have picked up both awards at the SkillbuildNI event. The quality work is always of the highest standard and to be awarded any medal is an excellent achievement for the students and their tutors. All their hard work and dedication has paid off and encourages trainees to improve their skills for their career development.
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, City and Guilds, Colleges NI, Federation of Master Builders and Subway.
Maurice Johnston, Chairman CITB NI said: “CITB NI is proud to have been involved in construction competitions for almost 40 years. During this time we have witnessed many construction apprentices take their first steps on a journey that has led to success at UK National, International or even World Skills Competitions. Skillbuild is an amazing showcase for the wide variety of skills and talent we have in this country and we congratulate not only the medal winners but all of those who have taken part in this prestigious competition. Skillbuild NI couldn’t happen without the support of the local sponsors and the training network and we extend our thanks to all who have helped the apprentices to be able to compete here today. Our young people are more ambitious now than ever and we wish all the competitors luck in their future careers within the construction industry.”
