SERC apprentices head to SkillBuild National Final and WorldSkills UK Final competitions

Six apprentices are heading off to represent South Eastern Regional College in two major competitions which will bring together the top talent from across the UK.

SERC apprentices Mark Sutherland, from Newtownbreda, employed by RLC Langford Lodge and Shane Travers, from Lisburn, employed by Industrial Floorcare Machines will be competing in the Automation Competition at the WorldSkills UK Final this month. | SERC

placeholder image — SERC apprentices Mark Sutherland, from Newtownbreda, employed by RLC Langford Lodge and Shane Travers, from Lisburn, employed by Industrial Floorcare Machines will be competing in the Automation Competition at the WorldSkills UK Final this month. | SERC

Four apprentices will test their skills against 80 competitors in the SkillBuild National Final 2026 which takes place on 18-19 November at Arena MK, Milton Keynes:

Carpentry - Matthew Rutherford (22) from Bangor, employed by Gareth McCartney; and Odhran Barlow (24) from Loughinisland, employed by PM Construction, both from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry & Joinery.

David Johnston (21) from Saintfield, a SERC apprentice employed by Andrew Gill will be competing in Plastering at SkillBuild National Final. | SERC

Plastering - David Johnston (21) from Saintfield, employed by Andrew Gill – Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering.

Cabinet Making -Taylor Simpson (24) from Lisburn, employed by Branniff Joinery & Fitout - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry & Joinery.

Two apprentices will be competing in the WorldSkills National Final from 18 - 20 November 2026 in Swansea:

Automation - Mark Sutherland, (33), from Newtownbreda, employed by RLC Langford Lodge and Shane Travers (29) from Lisburn, employed by Industrial Floorcare Machines.   Both apprentices are from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics). Following the competition those who are eligible may be invited to take part in the selection process for the UK Squad for the 2028 WorldSkills international competition in Japan in 2027.

Gary Ritchie, Deputy Principal Curriculum at SERC said, “Competitions such as SkillBuild and WorldSkills are designed to challenge the ability of the apprentices to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work outputs, be economical with materials, all whilst working to strict timescales.   The pressure will be on each apprentice to evidence all the skills and knowledge they have gained through their apprenticeships, both in class and in the workplace, to deliver on the day.”

He added, “Securing a place to compete at national level is testament to each of their abilities already. They have proved themselves to be top performers in each of their specialisms.

Taylor Simpson (24) from Lisburn, a SERC apprentice employed by Branniff Joinery & Fitout will be competing in Cabinet Making at SkillBuild National Final. | SERC

“We wish them every success throughout the competition. We hope they enjoy the buzz of competition, along with the camaraderie and rivalry that they are set to experience at such prestigious events.”