College duo build on their skills and advance to national final

Greg Thomas (left) with Bob Coutts, mentor for the IFD World Championships. Right: Jake Dix

TWO of South Devon College’s Roofing and Tiling students have reached the SkillBuild final 2018.

Greg Thomas, 20, from Plymouth (representing Storm Force Roofing) and Jake Dix, 18, from Plymouth, (representing Water Tight Roofing and Building), have both been awarded a place at this year’s final in Birmingham.

After excelling in their roof slating and tiling category during the South West heat last April, the students now have the chance to showcase their impressive skills against the nations very best. The final will take place at the NEC Arena in Birmingham on November 15-17 November.

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board, SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices and has been running for over 45 years. Key trades such as carpentry, cabinet making, brickwork, plastering, joinery, painting and decorating are all represented with successful entrants having the chance to further progress onto the EuroSkills and WorldSkills finals next year. As each stage of the competition of progresses, entrants will be tested not only on their technical abilities, but also their time management, commitment and character, with the finals offering a great chance to build con- fidence and self-esteem.

Stephen Criddle OBE, principal of South Devon College said, “As part of our ongoing commitment to address a skills gap in the construction industry, we believe SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of our exceptional learners and their skills, who will no doubt go on to make great contributions in their industries. I would like to personally congratulate our students for being invited to this year’s final, and we wish them all the very best in Birmingham this November”.

To find out more about SkillBuild and the Construction courses the College offers from apprenticeships to full-time courses or university degrees, visit our Open Event on Saturday, October 6, 10am-1pm at the Vantage Point Campus, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ. Alternatively, you can call our Helpzone team on 08000 380 123 or email enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk