SkillBuild UK Finals 2024
14 local construction students from NI are heading to the SkillBuild National Final which will be held on 19-21 November in Milton Keynes, having successfully gained their place after competing in the NI Regional Competition in South West College earlier this year. The competitors are representing 5 trades – Bricklaying, Carpentry, Drylining, Joinery and Wall & Floor Tiling and we wish them the best of luck in each skill area in the finals.

Success for Local  Construction Students at the SkillBuild National Final

14 local construction students recently represented local colleges, training providers and employers at the SkillBuild National Final 2024, achieving 5 medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze) 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 on 19 – 21 November. 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 5 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 Spring 2025.  

The winners and those pictured  from NI are:

Skill	Name		College/Employer
Bricklaying	Matthew Carswell	3rd Place	Southern Regional College
Carpentry	Jeremiasz Guzik	3rd Place	Northern Regional College
Drylining	Owen Quinn	2nd Place	Errigal Contracts
Drylining	Michael Umeukeje	1st Place	Errigal Contracts
Joinery	Charlie Fleck	3rd Place	Northern Regional College

Find out more about Skillbuild the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. Click here for more.