Students building skills (From Croydon Guardian)

Students building skills

10:36am Friday 9th June 2006 in News By Alison Couldridge

Bexley College recently played host to students from all over London and the south east by holding the annual regional Skillbuild competition.

And with Bexley College, Bromley College and Lewisham College scooping nine awards, construction students in south east London and north Kent were very successful.

Established in 1981, Skillbuild is a national competition for young people training within the construction industry which aims to highlight opportunities available.

Trainees are invited from colleges and training centres throughout the UK, to take part in 12 regional competitions.

The students complete timed projects judged on skill, accuracy and application of practical knowledge, by industry experts.

The disciplines included are: bricklaying; carpentry; joinery; painting and decorating; cabinet making; plastering; stonemasonry; roof slating and tiling; sheet roof-cladding; built-up felt roofing and wall and floor tiling.

The regional winners are to take part in the national event to be held in Luton later this year.

National winners often proceed to represent the UK in the WorldSkills Competition, held every two years.

At the last year's event, held in Helsinki, The UK came 12th place scooping one gold, two silver medals and seven medallions of excellence.

Competitors fall into two groups new entrants who are in the first year of their course or apprenticeship and more experienced workers.

Barrie Roe MBE, technical director at Skillbuild, said: "Bexley College was a great place to hold the competition we chose it because it has excellent facilities which suit the needs of this event."

Lewisham College was particularly successful, boasting three first-places, two second and one third, with a clean sweep in the painting and decorating category.

John Peacock, painting and decorating tutor, said: "The students found the competition challenging but really enjoyed the day.

"They have developed so many skills since joining the college and have great futures ahead of them. We are really proud of them all."

Nick Edwards, director of vocational education at Lewisham College, has praised everyone who took part in the competition.

He said: "These awards recognise the importance of construction skills. It is really encouraging our young people are ready for the Thames Gateway, Greenwich Peninsular Regeneration and the Olympics in 2012.

"Well done to all the students and staff who have taken part."

Winners: Lewisham College 1st - Painting and Decorating: Will Todd, 2nd - Painting and Decorating: Martin Brooks 3rd - Painting and Decorating: Jon Ward 1st - new entrants bricklaying: Daniel Clements 1st - new entrants painting and decorating: Kelly Steer 2nd - new entrants painting and decorating: Megan Parry Bromley College 3rd - Joinery: David Bellamey Bexley College 2nd - new entrants painting and decorating: Richard Curtis 3rd - new entrants bricklaying: Ricky Chance