Philip’s skills helped secure prestige title

The best local construction apprentices from across Northern Ireland tested their skills in 11 different construction trades at the contest and NRC apprentice Philip won Gold in Cabinet Making while competing against the top apprentices from across Northern Ireland.

Philip, a past pupil of Dunclug School, joined the college as an apprentice bench Joiner in 2014 and is now hoping to build on his success at regional level by progressing to the UK Skill Build Finals.

He is employed by Hayburn Wood Productions, who are leading specialists in luxury kitchens, fitted furniture and architectural joinery based in Galgorm and working throughout the UK and Ireland.

Hayburn and Co have a long and very supportive association with the college as a leading employer in training top class tradesmen.

Skillbuild NI, run and governed by CITB NI, is held annually each spring with the top local construction apprentices competing to win coveted titles in skills areas ranging from brickwork to wall and floor tiling. The winners may then go on to compete in the Skills Show UK and potentially at WorldSkills

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: “Developing the skills and talents of our young people is central to enabling local businesses to develop and grow and to improve our collective prosperity.”