Multiskills Student Laying Foundations for Future Career

Sam Kitchen, a student on our Multiskills course has had an exciting start to his SkillBuild journey!

The SkillBuild competition, delivered by CITB, is the UK’s largest construction competition for trainees and apprentices.

As each level of the competition progresses, competitors will not only be tested on their technical abilities, but on their time management, character, and commitment. The competitions can help build confidence, self-esteem, and vital life skills. 

As part of their entry to the competition, applicants were invited to make a short video about their construction journey – and to our delight Sam was one of three winners out of over fifty entries and won a day’s filming at his College and place of work and £250!

Sam started his construction journey young, by spending time in his Grandad’s workshop. And whilst he wasn’t sure what path he wanted to take he new he wanted a career in construction, so the Multiskills qualification was perfect, giving the opportunity to try out bricklaying, joinery, painting, plumbing, and plastering. Our Construction department recently placed 1^st in Yorkshire and the Humber and 5^th in the country in national data! *

Sam says, “Multiskills is perfect to try all the trades if you don’t know what you want to do. I am a very creative person, and I quickly realised you can use that in a trade. Bricklaying appealed to me the most because you can use your creativity to build anything you want!”

It can be quite a daunting task deciding what you want to do once you have done your GCSE exams, Sam added “I’m a practical person and knew I didn’t want to be stuck in an office. I hated being behind a desk and the hands-on nature of construction is the perfect place for me.”

Despite hating tests and exams and managing his dyslexia, Sam put his head down and passed 11 GCSEs so he could come to Craven College. Sam said about Craven College, “I’ve met new mates, and we have a laugh. I enjoy working with the tutors getting feedback and support. I’m in College three days a week, which gives a lot of learning time.”

Sam is currently busily preparing for the first round of SkillBuild, the regional qualifier which takes place at Burnley College on 13 May. He is practicing by building tasks from previous years’ competitions and getting feedback from his College tutors.

We asked Sam why he entered SkillBuild and what advice he would have for any students thinking about taking the leap! “I entered because of the competitive environment. It’s great for your CV, because you can supply future employers with evidence of your skills. Working under pressure boosts me, and I get faster and better at what I do. I would tell anyone to go for it!”

Sam is already looking to the future. He has an apprenticeship lined up in September with a building firm, covering all aspects of building. Sam searched for the job under his own steam, and they’ve been so impressed with him they’ve offered an apprenticeship! Long-term he wants to start his own building firm.

Ian Maltby, Lecturer in Bricklaying said, “Sam is a model student. He gets on with his work and he loves a challenge.

“He has excelled at every trade and the other tutors were jealous when he chose Bricklaying! Sam’s work ethic is great, he is always first to help others out and offer advice and is a real team player in the workshop.

“SkillBuild challenges students moving forward. It counts towards their EPAs, and they know and understand how to work in a pressured environment.”

Sam is one of 12 Craven College students entering SkillBuild this year, the most we have ever had. Find out more about SkillBuild

Ian added, “With Sam’s work ethic and the skills he has demonstrated, we know he will do well.

“Everyone at Craven College is behind Sam and all our students. We know you’ll all do us proud at Burnley and wish you the best of luck to move onto the national finals!”

*National Achievement Rates Data 2023-2024