Bradford College

SKILLBUILD Star Triumphs

Halifax-based student, Adam Worsick, proved that he is one of the best trainees in the Yorkshire and Humber, following success at the regional heat of this year’s SkillBuild – the UK’s biggest construction skills competition.

SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, aims to find the UK’s best trainee across a variety of trades including: bricklaying, carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating.

Adam Worsick, 20, a student at Bradford College and apprentice with Marshall Joinery, won the gold medal in the Joinery category at the Yorkshire and Humber heat, which took place on 3rd July at Leeds College of Building.

The students competed against each other in their given trade to complete a set piece of work within the day, which challenged the trainees to produce accurate and high quality work within a strict timescale – all essential requirements for today’s construction industry. The work was assessed by a panel of technical experts at the end of the day when the winners in each trade were announced.

Of winning a medal at this year’s Yorkshire and Humber SkillBuild, Adam Worsick, said: “Winning this competition feels fantastic. I’m going to make sure that I practise so I have the best chance of winning at the national final! I’m really pleased that the judges thought my work was good enough to win.”

ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship Manager for Yorkshire and Humber, Russell Buckley said: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and recognise excellence, as well as help develop the future talent of the industry. This heat was a great success and showcased the skills of the construction industry on offer here in the Yorkshire and Humber. We are really pleased with the high quality and standard of workmanship being undertaken by these people – it is testament to their hard work, and that of their colleges and employers.”

Michele Sutton, OBE, Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive added: "I am extremely proud of Adam. His fantastic achievement is testimony to the excellence of our joinery staff, learners and courses at Bradford College. All college staff and students are right behind Adam's aim to win the national final and hopefully the global final."

Adam Worsick will now be flying the flag for the Yorkshire and Humber and will have their chance to compete against the other UK regions at the SkillBuild national final, which will take place 7-9 October at South Lanarkshire College in Scotland. National winners from this year’s competition will then have the opportunity to represent the UK and compete in the 2011 international WorldSkills competition in London.

The competition, which has been running for more than 20 years, is an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and full time trainees, and their skills. It also provides a platform for companies to highlight the quality of their workforce and commitment to training – which is essential in the current climate to provide businesses with a competitive edge.

Sponsors for this year’s SkillBuild include Crown Paints Ltd, British Gypsum, Stabila, Hanson and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).