01 May 2011
Northern Ireland's got talent!! Results of Skillbuild NI National Finals 2011.
Our competition is over for another year and all of the apprentices and judges are enjoying a well deserved rest - hopefully!
This was certainly another extremely successful skills competition with over 110 apprentices battling their way through two very tough and intensive days! It was neck and neck at times and certainly not an easy job for the judges involved, but the results painted a clear picture that Northern Ireland 'has got talent!!'
Take a look at this superb WorldSkills London 2011 artwork (above) by Southern Regional College Greenbank Newry students and lecturer, Paddy Maguire - now that's a skill I'm sure we would all like to have!
South Eastern Regional College were the gracious hosts to the competition this year in their newly refurbished campus in Newtownards and did a great job in providing an ideal location.
South West College came out on top this year with the highest number of medal winners. The college won an outstanding six gold, three silver and three bronze medals and was awarded the Skillbuild NI Department for Employment & Learning Cup for their achievement. Pictured here is Maria Hackett, Head of Department Training at South West College receiving the prestigious award from Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Employment & Learning.
On top of these exceptional wins, Mark Woods of the Omagh Campus, first place winner of the Wall & Floor Tiling section excelled in his performance and attitude and as a result was awarded the Skillbuild NI Apprentice of the Year award for 2011! Pictured here is Mark receiving the cup sponsored by Haldane Fisher, from David Haldane.
Well done to Ciaran Connolly of South West College, Dungannon Campus who picked up first place in Brickwork; pictured here with Maria Hackett & Jim McAlinden of South West College, Tina Campbell of UTV, Alan Shannon - Permanent Secretary of Department of Employment & Learning.
Southern Regional College was also extremely successful at this years competition, achieving the Skillbuild NI Chairperson's Cup for the highest number of entries to the competition. Pictured is Uel Barnes, Head of School for Construction Engineering and Automotive Trades SRC receiving the prestigious cup from David Cooper, Chairperson of Skillbuild NI. Overall Southern Regional College achieved three gold, four silver and three bronze medal winners!
Congratulations also to Alexander Gordon of Southern Regional College who scooped first place in Joinery; pictured here with Tina Campbell of UTV, Geoff Martin of H & J Martin and Alan Shannon - Permanent Secretary of Department of Employment & Learning.
Congratulations are also due to Adrian Canning, North West Regional College, Greystones Campus, gold medal winner of Electrical Installation pictured here with Tina Campbell of UTV. First Place Winner second year in a row!!
Well done Neil Laverty of Northern Regional College, Trostan Avenue Ballymena campus who scooped first place in Lead Sheetwork. Pictured here with Tina Campbell of UTV.
Look at the smile on Ciaran Weirs face here!!! Not sure whether he is pleased with his gold medal in Refrigeration or the fact his arm is around Tina Campbell!! Only joking - well done Ciaran! (Student of South Eastern Regional College, Lisburn campus.)
Congratulations to Ken Wilson of Belfast Metropolitan College, Millfield Campus, 2nd place winner in the plastering section.
For a full listing of winners see our Downloads section. Photos will be hosted in our Picture Gallery.
