Apprentice Gavin in regional final of skills competition

Recently apprentices from across South Eastern Regional College (SERC) participated in a day-long Inter Campus Skillbuild competition.

The event was one of a series of competitions taking place throughout the province. The event is designed to test and challenge the ability of its students and apprentices working in the construction trades. Competitors were judged in disciplines including bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, electrical, industrial pipework, joinery, plastering and refrigeration and air conditioning.

The apprentices were set a test project which took a day to complete. At the end of the day their projects were judged and scored.

The winners, who qualify from the Inter Campus Competitions, will represent the College and compete at the annual Skillbuild NI Regional finals due to be held in March.

Gavin Murray, from Aghalee who studies at SERC’s Lisburn Campus, beat off stiff competition to take first place in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning discipline.

Gavin is hopeful that his experiences from the inter-campus competition can act as platform for success at the regional finals.

John Nixon, Head of School Construction and Engineering for SERC, said: “Skillbuild provides a unique stage for trainees to showcase their skills and expertise and motivates them to reach the highest standards in their careers. It was a very successful competition with around 70 of our students participating. I was impressed with the high standard of workmanship displayed and this was commented on by the various judges.”

SERC students are encouraged to get involved in competitions as it demonstrates to future employers the level of skill and commitment they have within their industry.

For more information call 0845 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find them on Facebook, search: South Eastern Regional College.