After nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days, the winners of the 2022 SkillBuild National Finals have been announced. Often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, SkillBuild is delivered by CITB in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.
Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Finals took place at Edinburgh College on 15 to 17 November. The event attracted roughly 1,000 school visitors from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.
SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and as competitors progress through each stage, they are tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment. The competition is viewed by many as an opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills, along with the potential for the highest-scoring eligible competitors to join ‘Squad UK’ and compete internationally.
FIS members had a total of 12 competitors in this years National finals.
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “What a fantastic demonstration of the level of skills that can be achieved by young people working in the finishes and interiors sector. A true inspiration for those interested taking up one of the many opportunities in this dynamic sector. Congratulations to all the medal winners and those highly commended”.
The winners in categories applicable to the finishes and interior sector are:
Plastering and Drywall Systems
Gold – Zara Dupont
Silver – Hugh Treanor
Bronze – Prince Senyah
Highly Commended – Ben Henry
Highly Commended – Ashley Carragher
Plastering
Gold – Jordan McQuillan
Silver – Thomas Devine
Bronze – Joshua Woosnam
Highly Commended – Kieran Rowarth
Carpentry
Gold – Andrew Elam
Silver – Ben Price
Bronze – Robin Luscombe
Highly Commended – Eliot Duff
Highly Commended – Osian James
Pictured: (L-R) Zara Dupont with Lecturer Mark Sims and Pete Baum, British Gypsum.
