Trainees with talent

Best in the North-West hunt national glory
OLDHAM College students Andrew Hulston and Daniel Lees are well on their way to being crowned the country’s most talented trainees.

The dynamic duo have already proved they are the best in the North-West after winning the carpentry and joinery categories at the regional heat of construction competition SkillBuild 2010, which was held at Salford City College.

Carpentry trainee Andrew said: “I really enjoyed the SkillBuild heat and hope to be able to show I’m the best in the country at the national final in Wales this September.

“The regional heat was quite challenging as there was a lot to do, but it covered all the skills I use on a daily basis. It was fantastic to see all the different trades competing together and to meet all the other competitors.

“If I’m lucky enough to secure a place at the national final, my skills will be put to the test even more as there will no doubt be some really strong competitors taking part from across the UK.”

The regional heats for SkillBuild 2010 — which is run by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry — have been taking place across the country over the past couple of weeks and will culminate in a national final in September at Coleg Menai in Wales.

The top scoring winners from across the country will join Andrew and Daniel at the final which will see entrants in categories such as bricklaying, plastering, stonemasonry and tiling.

Gwen Caddick, regional strategy adviser for construction skills in the North-West, said: “It is great to see this new generation demonstrate the immense talent we have in the industry. All the competitors, including Andrew and Daniel, are an excellent example of the benefits and skills a trainee can bring to a company.

“This not only provides a competitive edge for construction companies in the current challenging economic environment, it also ensures that industry has the right skills in place for the upturn and beyond.”

Joinery trainee Daniel added: “It has been hard work but very rewarding and such a worthwhile experience. It is a great opportunity to test your existing skills while learning new ones.”