SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK, it has been on the go for over forty-five years, the UKs most talented apprentices compete against each other to be awarded SkillBuild champion in their chosen trade and be part of the UK team.
This year South West College had 16 entries, in which four were placed. Daniel McAteer, was awarded Bronze in Plastering and Drywall Systems, Jamie Howe a joinery student was awarded highly commended and Gareth Elliott another Joinery student was awarded Bronze. A Student who recently qualified in June, Stuart Graham, won Gold in Electrical Installation. It is a tremendous achievement for all the participants to reach the UK finals and obtaining results at this level is remarkable.
Stuart Graham is now a self-employed electrician, he completed his apprenticeship in June 2016. Stuart began his journey to the finals earlier this year while studying for his fourth year at South West College, Omagh Campus. After contending in the intercampus competition and receiving gold, Stuart went on to compete in the regional heats where he was awarded gold again.
The top eight apprentice electricians from across the UK regional heats then qualified to compete for the title of best young electrician in the UK at the SkillELECTRIC final on 17th-19th November, with Stuart Graham representing South West College. The competitors went head to head in the two-day final at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, which is held as part of the SkillBuild Show.
During the final, the contestants completed a number of tasks and practical tests based on the workplace scenarios faced by electricians. Stuart came out on top winning the gold enabling him the opportunity to represent the UK at the biennial WorldSkills event, the world’s largest skills competition, in Kazan in 2019.
For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Elaine Hawkes – South West College PR Officer
Tel: 0845 603 1881 ext. 3640 E-Mail elaine.hawkes@swc.ac.uk