SKIILLBUILD NI
SWC APPRENTICE TRISTAN MCGRATH WON THE PLUMBING CATEGORY AND PLUMBING & HEATING LECTURER ANDREW BARRETT WAS AWARDED THE HUGH GETTINBY MEMORIAL AWARD… SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier 2026
Apprentice Tristan McGrath from South West College (SWC) was the top scorer in the Plumbing category heat of the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2026. The event saw more than 100 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes across Northern Ireland compete against each other. 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 Greenbank Campus in Newry on May 19. SWC also lifted another key award, with 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 - presented to its Plumbing & Heating Lecturer Andrew Barrett. Andrew has consistently gone far beyond his teaching role to nurture the skills, confidence and aspirations of young people. His selfless investment of time, expertise and encouragement has transformed student performance and belief. His quiet leadership, genuine care and unwavering support have empowered learners to achieve successes they never thought possible, playing a central role in supporting young people competing in skills competitions at inter
Tristan McGrath (SWC), Plumbing category winner at the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2026.
campus, regional and UK wide levels. Andrew also supports pastoral, behavioural and professional development, helping students overcome attendance issues, placement challenges and personal barriers. Apprentices competed in the categories of Bricklaying, Carpentry, Drylining, Furniture & Cabinet Making, Joinery, Plastering, Wall & Floor Tiling, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Security and Fire. Alongside 12 category winners, Overall Young Apprentice of the Year (Haldane Fisher Cup) went to carpenter Jermemiasz Guzik of Northern Regional College. Supported by the Department for the Economy and local construction companies, SkillBuild provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive 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 Competition, may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November. Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive
CITB NI, said, “Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2026. Events like this play an important role in encouraging and developing the next generation of talent, which is vital for supporting industry growth and shaping the future workforce. “I would like to thank our partners CITB (GB) and SRC for their continued support, the Department for Economy and industry sponsors, and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
Want to know more? For further details on CITB NI support for apprenticeships and employers, visit www.citbni.org.uk. Follow CITBNI on Facebook, X and LinkedIn #SkillBuild- NI2026. For further details on SkillBuild, please visi t www.goconstruct.org
Caption: L-R: Mark Spence, CEF/Construction Futures (sponsor), and Andrew Barrett (SRC), Hugh Gettinby Award.
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