SKILLBUILD 2024
MICHAEL UMEUKEJE FROM ERRIGAL CONTRACTS SECURED A GOLD MEDAL IN THE DRYLINING CATEGORY, WITH FOUR OTHER APPRENTICES ALSO PLACING IN THE TOP THREE UK-WIDE… Success for local construction students at the SkillBuild National Final
Fourteen local construction students recently represented local colleges, training providers and employers at the SkillBuild National Final 2024, achieving five accolades including one gold, one silver and three bronze medals in bricklaying, carpentry, dry lining and joinery. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly-skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. Following the NI Regional Qualifier, which took place at South West College earlier this year, the National Final took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes over November 19-21. The event attracted around 1,500 visitors, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry. Across the three days, competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tests the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols. Barry Neilson OBE, CITB NI Chief Executive, said, “Huge congratulations to all the competitors, it is a fantastic achievement to compete at this level and be ambassadors for the colleges, employers and their trades. At a time when the industry is going through a skills shortage, it’s vital that we support this next generation of talent and encourage them to pursue their passions. “It is an incredible achievement that five medals were achieved from team Northern Ireland; this is great news for the competitors, the colleges and the local training network.” Plans are now in place for the 2025 SkillBuild NI Inter Campus competitions in January/February 2025 and the Regional Final in spring 2025.
Team Northern Ireland heading to Milton Keynes for the SkillBuild National Final.
NORTHERN IRELAND’S WINNERS
Skill
Name
College/Employer
Bricklaying
Matthew Carswell
3rd
Southern Regional College
Carpentry
Jeremiasz Guzik
3rd
Northern Regional College
Drylining
Owen Quinn
2nd
Errigal Contracts
Drylining
Michael Umeukeje
1st
Errigal Contracts
Joinery
Charlie Fleck
3rd
Northern Regional College
If you or someone you know are interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit www.goconstruct. org/skillbuild/ for more information. For further information on CITB NI and its services, visit www.citbni.org. uk or follow CITB NI on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn #CITBNI60
Clockwise from top left: Matthew Carswell, Michael Umeukeje (main image), Owen Quinn, Jeremiasz Guzik and Charlie Fleck.
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