Top trainee crowned

A BATTLE construction trainee is celebrating having been named the UK’s top Cabinet Making trainee at the national final of SkillBuild, the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2012, 12:00 BST

Edward Harringman, 19, fought off stiff competition from four other finalists to win first place in his category at a tense three day final which took place at Preston College earlier this month.

Run by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board, the SkillBuild 2012 UK Final sees the top-scoring finalists compete in a wide range of specialist categories including Bricklaying, Joinery, Carpentry and Stonemasonry.

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This year, almost 1,000 entrants took part in 14 regional heats across the UK in a bid to make it to the final.

Edward, who attends Chichester College, was announced the winner at the closing awards ceremony and reception at Preston Guild Hall last Friday (September 14), attended by esteemed industry members, sponsors, academics and peers.

Awards were presented on the night by celebrity builder Tommy Walsh.

Edward said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s great to have won.

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“The competition was tough, but it’s been worth all the hard work and preparation.

“I’d like to thank my college and employer for all their support and help and also everyone at SkillBuild for a great competition.”

Gillian Cain, regional delivery manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills in the South, said: “This year’s SkillBuild has been a fantastic success and it’s always a pleasure to bring together the construction industry’s most promising talent in this nationwide competition.

“SkillBuild encourages excellence, helps to raise standards in training and is an exciting way to showcase the outstanding talent in the construction industry, and we’re proud of all 100 finalists, who have demonstrated work of an exceptionally high standard.”

For more information about SkillBuild, visit www.cskills.org/skillbuild