Students climb the skills ladder

5:40pm Friday 4th July 2008

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THESE York painter and decorators are on the ladder to success – after winning a place in the final of a national competition.

Waranyn Santhong and Hannah Whaite are both in the final of the SkillBuild competition to recognise the country’s finest young painter and decorators.

The pair, students at York College, were tested and recognised for skill, accuracy and practical knowledge in the field and triumphed in the regional heats to win through to the final.

If they find success there, they could find themselves competing internationally in the so-called Skills Olympics held every two years in cities across the globe.

Waranyn said: “Although we were given a challenging brief the competition gave me an opportunity to test the skills I have learned during my apprenticeship.

“I was looking forward to taking part, but I didn’t expect to walk away with a medal. I think the SkillBuild competition is a great event, it has boosted my confidence and really encouraged me to keep developing my skills and career.”

Hannah said: “The SkillBuild competition is a great experience for apprentices – it’s an opportunity to improve your skills.

“I think the high standard of the competitors work and the demanding pace of the competition prepares you for your job in the real world. A lot of people don’t know these types of events exist and I think more people should consider becoming an apprenticeship and get involved.” Skillbuild, managed by ConstructionSkills, the sector skills council for the construction industry, aims to promote excellence among young people entering the industry.

Budding building idols competed against each other in a wide range of construction trades including bricklaying, carpentry, cabinet making, joinery and painting and decorating, at the regional heat held at Huddersfield Technical College on June 27.

More than 80 people from across the Yorkshire and Humber entered the competition, which was open to all 17 to 21 year-olds training in construction through FE colleges or work-based apprenticeships at S/NVQ level 2-3. Contestants registered via the ConstructionSkills website and turned up on the day with their tools.

Sarah Fenton, apprenticeship manager for ConstructionSkills in Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Britain has some extremely talented young tradespeople who deserve to be recognised for their skill and it was great to see so many people competing in the regional heats.

“The North West construction industry needs 8,870 new recruits every year for the next five years in order to meet demand. Events such as Skillbuild are vital to help raise the profile of the industry and highlight the opportunities available to young people.”

National winners will go forward to represent their country in WorldSkills, the skills ‘Olympics’, held every two years in different cities across the world.

The next WorldSkills will be held in 2009 in Calgary, Canada.