Leicester College held the SkillBuild 2018 regional heats at Freemen’s Campus on 28 June 2018.

SkillBuild is the largest, longest-running multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. The competition is delivered by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).

Gina Webster, Product Category Manager at CITB, said:

“SkillBuild is an excellent way of inspiring and attracting more talented and diverse young people to consider a career in construction. The competition showcases the vast expertise coming into the construction industry, and all the competitors should be proud of their achievements.

“It was great to see so many passionate people competing in the SkillBuild 2018 regional qualifier at Leicester College.  The standards shown were good and I am certain the competitors will motivate more people to consider a career in construction.”

The heats included bricklaying, carpentry, furniture and cabinet making, joinery, plastering and painting and decorating.

Leicester College student Bridie Kilby won gold in painting and decorating and will go on to compete in the UK National Final in November 2018 with peer Lauren Marlow also from Leicester College taking silver.

Student Bridie spoke about her win:

“I entered SkillBuild for the second year after failing to get pole position last year, I challenged myself to get through this year.”

“I am really proud of myself, however, I would not have achieved my place without the help and support of my employers Jelson Limited, my tutor Kirk and supervisor Paul.”

Overall Leicester College students were awarded one gold, seven silver and one bronze.

Construction Programme Area Manager, Paul Grayson said:

“We have successfully hosted the SkillBuild heats for the past two years. It is really exciting to see Leicester College students placing in pole positions. It highlights the skills and dedication of the students at the College.”

Students from Colleges in Derby, Nottingham, Northampton, Lincoln, Stamford, Oxford, Bedfordshire and Hinckley all took part and showcased their talent for their chosen trade.

Leicester College has expressed an interest in hosting the competition for another two years.

Leicester Tigers player Sam Harrison who currently studies carpentry and joinery at Leicester College presented the medals on the day.

Full list of all the Leicester College winners:

Painting and Decorating Advanced:
Gold: Bridie Kilby who will go on to compete for a place in the UK National competition in November 2018 at WorldSkills UK.
Silver: Lauren Marlow

Painting and Decorating New Entrant:
Silver: Cole Taylor

Bricklaying:
Silver: Keiran Findley

Carpentry Advanced:
Silver: Jake Hind

Joinery New Entrant:
Callum Ringrose

Joinery Advanced:
Silver: Billy Currie
Bronze: Freddy Jones

Plastering Advanced:
Silver: Joseph Venables

See all our construction courses here: https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/courses/