Six apprentices from Northern Regional College have secured their places at the SkillBuild UK National Final 2026, the UK’s largest and longest-running construction skills competition, taking place on 18–19 November at Arena MK in Milton Keynes.

The finalists will compete against leading apprentices and trainees from across the UK, putting their technical ability, accuracy and time management to the test in a series of demanding trade-specific projects.

Representing Northern Regional College in Carpentry are Brooklyn Hunter McConnell, Jonas Lear and Robbie Buchanan. Taylor Lewis will compete in Furniture and Cabinet Making, while Mark Woods and Charlie Fleck will represent the College in Joinery.

Charlie Fleck will compete at the national final for the third time, having won a bronze medal in 2024. Robbie Buchanan returns for his second appearance after winning silver in 2025. The other four apprentices will make their national final debuts.

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild recognises emerging construction talent and provides an opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate the skills developed through their College training and experience in the workplace.

Gareth Spratt, Curriculum Area Manager at Northern Regional College, congratulated the finalists.

“Reaching the SkillBuild UK National Final is a fantastic achievement. Each of our six finalists has demonstrated the skill, determination and attention to detail needed to compete at this level, and they should be very proud of earning their place.

“Their success reflects the hard work they put into their apprenticeships, alongside the expertise and encouragement of our lecturers and the support of their employers. We are delighted to see them take this next step and represent Northern Regional College on a national stage.”

For Charlie, who studies at the College’s Ballymena campus and is employed by William G Crawford Joinery Ltd, the competition offers another opportunity to test his joinery skills against some of the UK’s strongest emerging talent.

Charlie said, “I’m really looking forward to returning to the SkillBuild finals and representing Northern Regional College again. Having competed before, I know how challenging it can be, but that experience has given me even more motivation to keep improving.

“My lecturers and employer have been a great support throughout my apprenticeship. I’m looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned into practice and producing work I can be proud of in Milton Keynes.”

Gareth added that the College’s representation across three trade categories highlights the opportunities available through construction apprenticeships.

“Competitions such as SkillBuild give apprentices a chance to challenge themselves, build confidence and see where their skills can take them,” he said.

“To have six finalists representing the College across Carpentry, Furniture and Cabinet Making, and Joinery is a real source of pride. We wish them every success as they prepare for November and look forward to cheering them on.”