Construction students at Newcastle College achieved outstanding results at this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifier, with multiple top-three finishes across a range of trades.
The competition, held at Newcastle College on Thursday 14 May, brought together learners and apprentices from across the region and beyond, to showcase their skills in a live, industry-standard environment.
Newcastle College students delivered an exceptional performance, securing four first-place finishes and several additional podium places:
- Bricklaying - First place: Olly Skillen
- Painting and Decorating – First place: Ellie Fox
- Plastering – First place: Lenny Walker and second place: Dru Anderson
- Roof Slating and Tiling – First place: Brooklyn Smith and second place – Sam Hemmings
First place bricklaying winner Olly Skillen, who also won the Junior category at the recent Guild of Bricklayers Competition, said: "Winning the competition showed me that all the practice paid off and gave me real confidence in my bricklaying skills."
SkillBuild, delivered by Go Construct, is the UK’s largest construction skills competition. It gives students the opportunity to test their abilities against industry standards and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.
The winning students will find out in July if they qualify for a spot for a spot at the national SkillBuild final, part of WorldSkills.
Hosting the regional qualifier gave students the chance to experience a real competition environment on campus, helping them build confidence and develop the skills employers are looking for.
Head of Construction, David Laycock said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and everything they have achieved at this year’s SkillBuild competition. Their success reflects their hard work and commitment, as well as the support from our dedicated teaching teams.
Competitions like this give students the chance to put their skills into practice, build confidence and prepare for their future careers in construction."
The results highlight the strength of construction training at Newcastle College and the college’s focus on preparing students for successful careers in the industry.