Member Article

Apprentices build up skills at competition

APPRENTICES from Redcar & Cleveland College are carving themselves a future in industry after being highly commended in a regional competition.

The winning carpentry and joinery apprentices, who were competing against students from 22 colleges across the region at the CITB SkillBuild competition, were recognised for their trade craftsmanship.

The CITB SkillBuild competition, which was this year held at Darlington College, comprises of regional heats and sees the very best in construction talent compete against each other to be crowned the SkillBuild winner in their chosen trade.

Carpentry apprentice, Aaron Boyd, aged 19, who is currently undertaking his apprenticeship at Hutton North East, was awarded the silver medal in the carpentry senior category.

Mark Rafferty, aged 25, a joinery apprentice who works for Middlesbrough Lowe & Simpson, was also awarded a silver medal in the bench joinery senior category.

Sam Swainston, aged 19, a carpentry apprentice who is gaining industry experience whilst working at Applegarth Building Services, was awarded second place in the carpentry new entrant category.

He said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the competition. I’m so pleased to have ranked in the carpentry new entrant category and feel very flattered that my work stood out to the judges.

“It’s great to add such as achievement to my CV and I’m looking forward to taking part in more competitions in the future.”

Keith Smith, lecturer in carpentry and joinery at Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “The recognition for all the students is fantastic and the competition was an excellent opportunity for young people to showcase their talent and creative skills in their chosen trade.

“All the competitors put up an outstanding display against some very talented students and I’m really proud of all who took part to represent Redcar & Cleveland College, as we are committed to encouraging students to raise their aspirations and enhance their skills as they begin their careers in the construction industry.”

For further information on Redcar & Cleveland College, please call 01642 473 132 or visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk.

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