Preston College to Host SkillBuild 2012

The final of this year’s SkillBuild competition is to be hosted by Preston College and will take place between 12 – 14 of September, it has been announced today. 

SkillBuild, a competition managed by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices and showcases the best talent the industry has to offer.

It is the first time that Preston College has hosted the 3 day final, which will see the UK’s top trainees battle it out in 12 different construction trades following a series of regional heats that will take place in the Spring. The final will take place in the immediate aftermath of the historic Preston Guild week, which is held only once every twenty years, and dates back to 1179.

Commenting on the announcement, Mike Bialyj, Employer Services Director, CITB-ConstructionSkills said: “We’re delighted to announce that the final will be hosted this year by Preston College. The college has hosted regional SkillBuild heats in the past so they are very familiar with the competition and aware of the logistical challenges involved. It’s a massive undertaking but we are confident that this year’s final will be run with the efficiency and professionalism that has made the event such a success in recent years. We are looking forward to working with the college to deliver a really exciting event.

“The competition is all about celebrating the brilliance and talent of constructions’ trainees who are the lifeblood and future of our industry –but I’m delighted that it will follow on from the Preston Guild week which reminds us all of the rich historic tapestry of our trades and their invaluable role in society.”

The competition will cover a wide range of construction trades to include; Bricklaying, Plastering, Carpentry, Joinery, Plastering and Dry Wall Systems, Cabinet Making, Wall and Floor Tiling, Stonemasonry, Painting and Decorating, Reinforced Bituminous Membranes, Roof Sheeting and Cladding and Roof Slating and Tiling.

Principal and Chief Executive of Preston College, Lis Smith said “At Preston College we have a proud history of taking part in the SkillBuild competitions and our learners have achieved real success in the regional and national finals. To be chosen as the venue for the national finals in Guild Year demonstrates our high standing within the competition and our reputation for excellence in construction.  This will form an integral part of our Guild Year Celebrations and I know our learners are already working hard to make sure they reach the finals. ”

Last year’s SkillBuild had over 1,300 competitors and used approximately 8,000 bricks, 9 tonnes of mortar, one articulated lorry full of materials, 15 gallons of paint, 30 cubic metres of wood and 8/10 blocks of stone.

For more information about SkillBuild go to www.cskills.org/skillbuild

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