Southern Regional College (SRC) trades are to be represented strongly up the upcoming SkillBuild national finals. Five apprentices from the College are currently preparing to showcase their technical ability at the upcoming finals, with SRC tilers making up half of the competitors in their category.
Taking place on 18–19 November at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, the finals will see four SRC tiling apprentices and one recently qualified joinery apprentice compete against talented apprentices and tradespeople from across the UK.
Representing SRC in wall and floor tiling are Level 3 apprentices Alan Holubowicz (18), from Tandragee, employed by DLP Tiling; Kristopher McIlrath (18), from Madden, Armagh, employed by tiler Melvin Millar; Pearse McDonnell (18), from Forkhill, employed by John Morgan Tiling; and Taylor Bowman (18), from Portadown, who works in his family’s tiling business, Bowman Decor.
For Pearse, the competition also continues a connection with SkillBuild through his employer, former SRC student and national finalist John Morgan.
Alan returns to the national finals having competed last year, while Kristopher, Pearse and Taylor Bowman will make their national debuts.
The apprentices have been sharpening their skills through an intensive training programme under the guidance of SRC tiling lecturer Peter Farelly.
Speaking ahead of the finals, Peter said:
“By the time the national finals come around, our apprentices will have completed between eight and ten weeks of intensive training, covering every aspect of the competition task. I have every confidence that they will arrive fully prepared and capable of producing work to an exceptionally high standard.”
“My advice to them is simple: take their time, trust their training and apply the techniques they have practised. If they remain focused, work accurately and perform to the best of their ability, they will put themselves in a very strong position to achieve success.”
While Alan’s previous appearance gives him valuable experience of the demands of a national final, competition for success will be strong, including from his fellow SRC apprentices.
Peter added:
“Alan has the advantage of having experienced the intensity of a national final before. He understands the pressure of competing against the clock, maintaining precision and delivering quality workmanship.”
“With three other talented apprentices from SRC competing this year, Alan knows he will have to bring his A-game. There is healthy competition between them, which has pushed each apprentice to raise their standards throughout training. I believe that competitive spirit will stand them in good stead at the finals.”
Joining the tilers is recently qualified joinery apprentice Taylor Crooks (20), from Tandragee, who has secured his first place at the national finals following previous appearances in inter-college and Northern Ireland regional competitions.
Although he has now completed his apprenticeship course, now working full-time in furniture company Derry Ltd in Annaghmore, Taylor has returned to College to prepare for the finals, working from drawings used in previous competitions and completing practice tasks to replicate the demands he will face.
Taylor joinery lecturer, Eugene McShane had this to say about Taylor;
“Taylor takes real pride in his joinery, and reaching the SkillBuild National Finals is recognition of the skill and commitment he has shown throughout his time at SRC. Joinery at this level requires strong practical ability, accurate drawing skills and a focused approach and Taylor has worked hard to earn his place.”
“Although he has now finished his course, he’s been back in College practising tasks from previous finals, helping him get a feel for what to expect. My hope is that he enjoys the experience, takes confidence from reaching the National Final and shows what he can do. We’re already very proud of him.”
For all five competitors, the finals offer an opportunity to demonstrate their craftsmanship, put their training into practice and gain experience alongside some of the UK’s most promising apprentices.
