Skillbuild - Northern Ireland 

• Events
• News

19 September 2011

We are extremely excited to announce that our team brought back an impressive 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal from the National Skills Finals in Leeds College of Building last week!

What an achievement for our squad to attain such status in this competition, competing with around 150 apprentices from across all regions in the UK, all trying to win the title ‘Best in their Trade!’ and in the country!

The Northern Ireland team certainly made a notable impression on the competition with such an exceptional scoop of medals.  It was very evident that these lads had had superb coaching and training in preparation for this competition, with a lot of the lecturers in attending the event in support of their apprentices.

The results:

Adrian Canning (above) won Gold in Electrical Installation!  Adrian attends North West Regional College, Greystone, Limavady and was trained and accompanied by Lecturer Keith Wade.  Adrian is employed by RMG Electrics, Limavady.

Steven Irwin (above) won Gold in Cabinet Making!  Steven attends Southern Regional College, Lurgan and was trained by Lecturer Mark Clague.  Steven is employed by MJM Marine Group, Newry.

Stephen Harking (above left) won Gold in Roof Slating & Tiling!  Stephen was trained and accompanied by Geoffrey Parkinson, National Federation of Roofing Contractors based at Nutts Corner Training Centre.  Stephen is employed by D Harkin Roofing Ltd, Ballyarnett.

Philip Glasgow (above) won Gold in Carpentry!  Philip attends South West College, Omagh and was trained and accompanied by Lecturer Tony McGartland.  Philip is employed by R Lennox Scott, Magherafelt.

John Morgan won (above) Silver in Wall & Floor Tiling!  John attends Southern Regional College, Newry and was trained and accompanied by Lecturer Paul Doran.  John is employed by Brian Magee, Newry.

Mark Woods won (above) Bronze also in Wall & Floor Tiling!  Mark attends South West College, Omagh and was trained and accompanied by Lecturer Gary Mullan.  Mark is employed by Artie Mullan Tiling, Omagh.

Of course to get here, all of the Team NI apprentices have already demonstrated great skill, determination and talent in their individual trades and must all be congratulated!  We are very proud of each and every member of Team NI 2011.  This was a very young team who all performed extremely well at the highest level and their potential and prospects going forward for future competition success looks very bright indeed!

Below are some more photos of our finalists competing at the National Finals:

Ciaran Weir, Refrigeration

Ross Temple, Plumbing Pipework