Two inspirational young professionals from Scotland began the most momentous weeks of their lives when they walked out on the global stage this week in Shanghai.
Stuart Lyons and Charlie Priestley, who face the toughest tests imaginable have been preparing for years to take on the world at the ‘Skills Olympics’.
The are part of a Team UK, selected, trained and honed by WorldSkills UK, young apprentices and professionals taking on 1,400 of their peers to decide gold, silver and bronze medal positions.
Charlie Priestley, aged 21, from Aberdeen, an IT Network Systems Analyst and Mechanical Engineer, Stuart Lyons, also aged 22 from Lanarkshire, have been cheered on by UK Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith, who flew to China to support the team and meet with Chinese officials.
This momentous week in the global spotlight is the culmination of months and years of regional rounds, national finals and exacting team selection processes to ensure that the very cream of the crop rose to the top.
The 28 strong team, are exponents of a wonderfully wide range of different skills disciplines, from Painting & Decorating and plumbing to robotics and renewable energy – essential in the bid to drive efficiency and growth.
Pearson, the lifelong learning company, is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
An Olympic style Opening Ceremony took place on Tuesday night, with honoured guest Premier Li, with the competition reaching a climax on Sunday September 27th, which will be streamed live on YouTube.
More than 600,000 spectators are expected to attend the 4-day event among them dozens of government representatives from around the World.
The winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 have been announced, after nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days.
SkillBuild, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.
Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Finals took place at Edinburgh College on 15 – 17 November. The event attracted roughly 1,000 school visitors from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.
SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and as competitors progress through each stage, they are tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment.
The competition is viewed by many as an opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills, along with the potential for the highest-scoring eligible competitors to join ‘Squad UK’ and compete internationally.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said:“I’m delighted to have been able to attend yet another year of SkillBuild, my favourite day in the calendar. It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations.
“It’s so important that we support this next generation of talent coming through to industry, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.
“It’s initiatives like SkillBuild that really make a huge difference and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Many congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:“Congratulations to all the medal winners. It is a fantastic achievement, and we hope their success will inspire more people to consider an apprenticeship and technical training as a route to great career success.
“Using insights gained from our competition-based programmes, we work with our partners to raise standards in training, helping to drive economic growth across the UK.”
Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a wonderful week, a truly inspirational platform of talent from across the UK.
“It has been a privilege for us to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild and to welcome so many people from colleges and training providers across the UK.
“We have seen an incredibly high standard of skills performance from all competitors, which will be of inspiration to the many young people we had through our doors to spectate. We hope this has opened many eyes to careers in the Construction sector, and indeed to the benefits of competing in skills events such as these.
“Congratulations to all the winners and medallists, and our thanks to all who have made this a fantastic experience for our College.”
CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include Alford Awards, Albion Stone, BAL, British Gypsum, Institute of Carpenters, Crown Paints, Dickies, Nicholls & Clarke, NFRC, Schluter, SPAX, Stone Federation, TARMAC, The Tile Association, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and Weber.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit Go Construct for more information.
Top construction trainees from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Finals 2022.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics.’ Over 80 finalists made it through the qualifying rounds, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year.
Preparations for this year’s finals are now in full swing, set to take place at Edinburgh College Granton Campus from tomorrow and conclude on Thursday evening (15 to 17 November), marked by a closing ceremony.
This is the first time the annual event is being hosted at Edinburgh College, with last year’s held at CITB’s National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.
With an 18-hour project to complete, participants will be tested not only on their technical abilities, but on their time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “The current skills gap, as well as a demand for more workers present huge challenges. SkillBuild is just one of the many initiatives detailed in our Business Plan that aims to address the skills demand, by focusing on attracting and retaining new talent into industry.
“SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to sharpen and increase your employability skills, providing a platform for the best of the best in construction technical education. To make it through to the National Finals is a fantastic achievement, and all the competitors should be incredibly proud of themselves. I wish them the very best of luck as they take to the stage in Edinburgh this week!”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Director, WorldSkills UK said: “Good luck to all those competing at Edinburgh College.
“WorldSkills UK’s competition-based programmes help apprentices and students grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills, as well as shining a light on the amazing skilled potential in the UK.”
Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild at our Granton Campus.
“Skills competitions like these are terrific spectacles and offer a platform for apprentices and students to thrive, and for other young people and those perhaps looking to change jobs to learn more about careers in these highly-skilled disciplines – supporting the need to plug skills gaps within the Construction sector.
“We look forward to welcoming competitors, lecturers and delegates from all four corners of the UK to our College for what is set to be a fantastic week of competition finals.”
Gracie Brill, SkillBuild joinery finalist, said: “I have really enjoyed the competition so far! The regional heat was super fun, and a really enjoyable challenge. I tend to overanalyse and spend too long perfecting things, so it was great to be able to push myself in a different way through engaging in a timed challenge.
“Honestly, I couldn’t quite believe I’d got through to the finals! It’s such an interesting, unique opportunity, which I have already learnt so much from – I’m really excited to have the chance to compete at the finals!”
School groups from across Edinburgh and the Lothians will also be attending to see the competitions and to take in a visitor experience exhibition, which will provide further insight into careers in construction and life at college. Winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 will be announced on 25 November from 4pm, live on the Channel 4 show, Steph’s Packed Lunch.
The competitions and finalists are as follows:
Bricklaying – Jago Gamblin, Fareham College – College Campus; Joseph Gleed, New College Swindon; Jacob Tromans, Cartrefi Ffosaron Homes Ltd; Darren Boggs, Borders College; Shaun Baker, East Coast College – Lowestoft Campus; Jake Howard, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Mathew Carswell, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Callum Wilson, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus
Carpentry – Ewan Rookes, York College; Robin Luscombe, South Devon College; Andrew Elam, Royal Signal MoD; Eliot Duff, Building Crafts College; Osian James, Colege Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Ben Price, Shrewsbury Colleges Group; George Clarke, Warwickshire College – Moreton Morrell College; Sammy Young, NPTC Group – Neath College
Foundation Skills: Woodworking (virtual heat) – Adam Szewc; Dantina Gillett; Kate Norton; Matthew McCarthy; Oliver Sayers; Oliver Tudor; Sam Johnson
Furniture and Cabinet Making – Conor Ellis, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Joshua Fox, Moulton College; Stephanie Reilly, Moulton College; Ciaran Baggott, Moulton College; Thomas Knowles, Chichester College Group; Isaac Farmer, Chichester College Group; Jamie Armstrong, Chichester College Group; Kye Allen, Chichester College Group
Joinery – Gracie Brill, The Ridge Foundations; Jack Corner, Norton Joinery Ltd; David Walker, York College; Harry Scolding, Solihull College; Connor Dallas, Northern Regional College – Ballymoney; David Fairley, South Eastern Regional College – Lisburn Campus; Steffan Thomas, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Dion Evans, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus
Painting and Decorating – Dior Regan, Lincoln College; Paul Mason, NPTC Group – Neath College; Joshua Thompson, Dudley College – The Broadway; Jade Oakes, Riverside College, Hattie Parnham, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College – South Wigston; Claire McPhillips, Bell Group UK; Jacqui Hawthorne, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Courtney Rowland, Newcastle College
Plastering – Josh McBride, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Josh Woosnam, Grwp Llandrillo Menai – Llangefni; Thomas Devine, Grwp Llandrillo Menai – Llangefni; Jordan McQuillan, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Jack Holmes, NPTC Group – Swansea Construction Centre; Joshua Lovell, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College; Jonathan Donaldson, NPTC Group – Swansea Construction Centre; Kieran Roworth, Wigan and Leigh College – Wigan
Plastering and Drywall Systems – George Batchelor, Measom Dryline; Ben Henry, Errigal Contracts; Ashley Carragher, Errigal Contracts; Hugh Treanor, Errigal Contracts; Archie Downham, Measom Dryline; Shaun McKenna, Errigal Contracts; Zara Dupont, Leeds College of Building; Prince Senyah, Errigal Contracts
Roofing: Slating and Tiling – Jordan Maley, South Lanarkshire College; Jacob Blight, South Devon College; Aeron Murray, Leeds College of Building; Kyron Sharlotte, Leeds College of Building; Joshua Easton, Leeds College of Building; Nile Moore, South Devon College; Benjamin Jones, Bolton College
Stonemasonry (virtual heat) – Calum Peach; Douglas Stevens; James Lewis; Luke Maher; Marcus Nicol; Marlène Lagnado; Niall Smee
Wall and Floor Tiling – Robert McCrea, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Morgan Nutt, North West Regional College – Greystone; Sean Mcelhinney, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Aram Elbadian, Cardiff and Vale College – City Centre Campus; Aaron Brady, Leeds College of Building; Conor Braniff, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Conor Nugent, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part next year, visit Go Construct for more information. You can also interact and keep up to date with this year’s finals by using ‘#SkillBuild2022’ across social media and by following CITB’s social media platforms.
Edinburgh College has been confirmed as one of six venues across the UK, and the only Scottish college, to host WorldSkills UK 2022 National Competition Finals in November.
WorldSkills UK sees the country’s top students and apprentices compete in a wide range of competitions for medals and a potential place at a global WorldSkills finals event in France in 2024.
Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills UK competitions help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills, as well as shining a light on the skills potential across the UK.
The finals are the culmination of a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training.
The College is hosting eleven finals at its Granton Campus, including Forthside building, during the week commencing Monday 14 November.
Students and apprentices will descend on Scotland’s capital to participate in the following finals: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Foundation Skills: Woodworking, Furniture and Cabinet Making, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Roofing and Tiling, Stonemasonry, Wall and Floor Tiling.
The week culminates with a live medal ceremony broadcast presented by Steph McGovern who will reveal who winners are from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 25 November.
Young people across the region will be able to attend competitions and experience the spectacle of the finals at Granton Campus, and drop-in to events showcasing what the college offers as well as gain careers advice and the opportunity to talk to employers and industry experts.
People who cannot attend local events will get the chance to follow things online through a special broadcast featuring live finals action, as well as interviews and advice from previous winners, experts and career advisors.
Other venues across the UK hosting finals are as follows: Barking and Dagenham, Belfast Metropolitan, Blackpool and the Fylde, Cardiff and Vale, and Middlesbrough colleges.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as one of six venues to host finals of WorldSkills UK. We’re looking forward to welcoming students, apprentices, visitors and other stakeholders to our Granton Campus in November.
“Skills competitions like WorldSkills UK are enormous spectacles and provide a platform for skilled students to thrive, and for other young people and those perhaps looking to change jobs to learn more about careers which these highly-skilled disciplines provide. WorldSkills sets the bar extremely high with globally recognised standards and businesses increasingly looking to employ students reaching the heights the standards set.
“More than that, in the context of plugging future skills gaps and the requirement for more skilled workers to be produced to meet national targets across a range of issues including house-building, sustainability, digital infrastructure, to name a few – it is vital that we continue to highlight skills training with events like these.”
WorldSkills UK Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge said: “We are really excited to be taking the show on the road with finals hosted by colleges across the UK. We hope witnessing the drama of the finals live will inspire young people to keep developing their technical and employability skills.
“With 62 finals spread over six venues there should be something for everyone, but we will also be providing loads of online content for people who are unable to get to one of the host venues that week.
“We are looking forward to producing our special broadcast with live action and top tips from industry experts and careers advisors. We are also delighted to confirm that Steph McGovern will be doing the duties on awards night and revealing the winners live from her Packed Lunch studio.
“With skills at the heart of UK government plans to level up and rebuild the economy, we are delighted to be playing our part and giving more young people the opportunity to explore the many opportunities and careers that high-quality skills offer.”
