TWO local students are celebrating success. Josh McBride, from Kilkeel, took part in three days of intense competition at this year’s SkillBuild National Final 2023, held last week at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. Josh, a student at Southern Regional College, qualified to compete in the final after securing second place in the Northern Ireland regional finals in May. He showcased his skills exceptionally at Milton Keynes, winning bronze at the UK finals in the Plastering category. From Tuesday 21 November to Thursday 23 November, Josh and his fellow competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18- hour timeframe. The project tested the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure within strict timelines, all whilst adhering to health and safety protocols.
Warrenpoint student Neil King was competing at the WorldSkills UK competition in the Greater Manchester area and won a silver medal in Automation. Neil currently works for Norbrook Laboratories and is undertaking the Mechatronic Engineering Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship with Southern Regional College. WorldSkills UK is a partnership between education providers, industry and the UK government to champion skill sets and raise industry standards. The competition celebrates the best of young talent and even provides young people with the opportunity to progress to European and WorldSkills competition series.
Neil and all the other Southern Regional College students taking part in the competition have been undertaking intense training for months prior to the event, taking on additional study and practice sessions under the guidance of the college’s lecturing staff. “Their commitment and dedication to the competition has been rewarded with an amazing medal tally at this year’s competition,” said a spokesperson for Southern Regional College. “Students showcased their technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills, to excel in their chosen field.” Raymond Sloan, principal and CEO of Southern Regional College, congratulated Josh, Neil and all the other students on their achievements. “These results from the 2023 SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes round off an exceptional period of success by SRC students,” he stated. “Our students have shown time after time, their perseverance in honing their craft and their commitment to success. “To make it to the National Finals is testament to the dedication of both our students and their lecturers who have passed on a wealth of knowledge.”: “I congratulate all students for another truly marvellous achievement.”