SkillBuild – Student Takes on Regional Heats

Plastering Apprentice Lewis Christy represented Craven College in the regional heats of SkillBuild 2021 on Wednesday 16 June. Lewis is just coming to the end of the first year of his 2 year Level 2 Plastering Apprenticeship with Tyler Wells.

Steve Syers, Plastering Tutor said, ‘Lewis is a really confident plasterer with good attention to detail. We’re all really pleased that he has put himself forward for SkillBuild, despite all the setbacks with covid.’

SkillBuild 2021 is the UK’s largest and longest-running construction competition for trainees and apprentices. The SkillBuild’s website says ‘It is a showcase for the very best in upcoming UK construction talent, highlighting the promising future ahead for the industry with such a skilled future workforce. Following a difficult year, construction trainees and apprentices have overcome tremendous odds to continue their learning and development. Colleges and training providers have done a fantastic job in continuing to deliver support and training to their students, helping to nurture the next wave of construction employees. The construction industry is looking bright – and we can’t wait to celebrate its collective achievements during SkillBuild 2021.’

It’s not all plain sailing though, as due to covid, the regional heats are being held virtually. This meant that Lewis was given his brief in the morning of the heat. His tutor will now mark it and send it to a central team for marking along with photographic evidence.

Regional heat winners will go forward to the national finals which will (hopefully) be in person in November.

Also representing Craven College at SkillBuild is Steve Syers as a judge (though sadly not for Lewis!). Super judge Steve says, ‘I’m still really proud to be part of the judging team but it will be great to get back to doing the judging in person and not via webcam or photos’.

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