SKILLBUILD NI
DAVID BATEMAN-SMITH HAS BEEN NAMED AS OVERALL YOUNG APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AT THE CITB NI EVENT HELD IN SERC’S DOWNPATRICK CAMPUS ON MAY 20… Building career success at the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier
Over 100 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes across Northern Ireland have competed against each other in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2025. Hosted by the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) in partnership with CITB GB and South Eastern Regional College (SERC), the event was held at SERC’s Downpatrick campus on May 20. Apprentices competed in the categories of Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire and Security Installation, Joinery, Drylining, Plastering, Plumbing and Wall & Floor Tiling. Alongside 11 first-place category winners, Overall Young Apprentice of the Year went to South West College (SWC) plumbing apprentice David Bateman-Smith. While David has won the intercampus, NI and UK competitions in previous years, judges said his true success lies in his personal development of technical skills, confidence and maturity. An ambassador for skills competitions and apprenticeships within SWC, David actively promotes the value of trades and mentoring peers, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to giving back within his college. His involvement in the Skillbuild NI promotional campaign in 2024 and additional promotional campaigns by South West College further showcase his dedication to inspiring others to pursue careers in construction.
L-R: Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB NI, David Bateman-Smith (SWC) Overall Young Apprentice of the Year, and Sarah Travers, host.
The Hugh Gettinby Memorial Award for Excellence in Construction Training, awarded to an individual involved in the training of young people and dedicated to the SkillBuild ethos, was presented to Belfast Met lecturer Jim Flood. With a career spanning over 30 years, first as a technician and then as lecturer, Jim has poured his heart into creating opportunities for young people to not only build their skills but also discover their potential and boost their confidence. Investing his time in every competitor, offering guidance and encouragement that goes far beyond the event itself, Jim has made it his mission to create an environment where young people can thrive, learn and push themselves further. Delivered by CITB GB and supported by the Department for the Economy and local construction companies, SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and talent within the workforce, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training. Winners from the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild
UK National Finals in November. Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI, said, “A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2025. This competition is an opportunity for young people to meet with other like- minded people, who are dedicated to being involved in the future direction of the industry. “It is also an opportunity to encourage and continue to develop the work force of the future – this is crucial for industry growth and shaping the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners CITB GB and SERC and look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.” For further information on CITB NI’s support for apprenticeships and employers, visit www.citbni.org.uk. Follow CITBNI on Facebook, X and LinkedIn #SkillBuildNI2025. For further information on SkillBuild, visit www.goconstruct.org
L-R: Jim Flood, BMC (Hugh Gettinby Award) and Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive, CITB NI.
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