The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) annual SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2025, in partnership with CITB (GB) and South Eastern Regional (SERC), has taken place at the Downpatrick campus.
The competition is a search for the top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland and a showcase of the wealth of talent, professionalism, and the brightest recruits throughout the industry.
Over 100 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland competed against each other to win in categories: Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire and Security Installation, Joinery, Plastering Dry Wall Systems, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. Supported by Department for the Economy and local construction companies, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive talent within the workforce, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
There were 11 first place winners in the categories with overall young apprentice of the year.
Winners from the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition, may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI, said:
“A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2025. This competition is an opportunity for young people to meet with other like-minded people, who are dedicated to being involved in the future direction of the industry. It is also an opportunity to encourage and continue to develop the work force of the future – this is crucial for industry growth and shaping the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners CITB (GB) and SERC and look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
Martin Flynn, Chief Executive OCN NI said:
“We are incredibly proud to sponsor the 2025 SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition, hosted at SERC’s Downpatrick campus. Events like this are vital in recognising and nurturing the exceptional talent within our construction industry. At Open College Network NI, we are committed to supporting skills development and lifelong learning and it is a privilege to partner with CITB NI, CITB GB, and SERC in empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.”
Tommy Martin, Principal & Chief Executive SERC added:
“We were delighted to host the annual SkillBuild NI qualifier regional competition at South Eastern Regional College’s Downpatrick Campus and to welcome hundreds of participants from across Northern Ireland to SERC. Every competitor helps make SkillBuild NI an exciting competition. Professional attitudes were matched with competitive spirit in what is a showcase of excellence. The quality of the work, knowledge and skills on display were of the highest standards. Competitors were a credit to themselves, to their colleges and lecturing teams, and their employers. I wish all the winners every success as they progress to the next stage of the national competitions. I would also like to thank the teams at SERC, CITB (GB) and CITB NI for their work in bringing this prestigious competition to South Eastern Regional College.”
