Downpatrick duo win awards at Skillbuild event

Downpatrick duo win awards at Skillbuild event

27 June 2012

TWO Downpatrick apprentices won awards at the recent Northern Ireland SkillBuild competition.

Mark Hawthorne and Stephen Peters, who both study at the South Eastern Regional College’s Downpatrick campus, collected third places at the prestigious competition held in Limavady.

Mark competed in the carpentry section, while Stephen participated in the plastering section where they were up against the Province’s best.

The locals battled it out for a share of the honours with other apprentices who put their skills to the test in a range of disciplines including bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, plastering, electrical installation, industrial heating, plumbing and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Mark and Peter were set a test project which was designed to challenge their ability to follow detailed instructions, produce accurate and neat work and be economical with materials while working to strict timescales, all essential requirements for today’s construction industry.

They were continuously assessed throughout the two day competition under the watchful eye of the judges and both Mark and Peter hope their experiences from the competition can act as platform for success throughout their career.

Mr. John Nixon, the South Eastern Regional College’s Head of School for Construction and Engineering, said competitions like Skillbuild NI provide a unique stage for apprentices to demonstrate the skills and expertise they have gained whilst studying at the College.