The event formed part of SkillBuild NI, the UK’s largest multi-trade competition for construction apprentices and trainees, governed by Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI). The competition provides a nationally recognised platform for learners to demonstrate their skills in a pressurised, real-world environment.
Apprentices competed across a range of construction disciplines, including joinery, carpentry, cabinet making, brickwork, plumbing and electrical installation. Participants were assessed on technical accuracy, problem-solving, efficiency and compliance with industry and health and safety standards.
David Russell, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction in the Department of Advanced Technologies at Northern Regional College, said, “Hosting the SkillBuild NI inter-campus heats at our Ballymena Campus gave apprentices a real opportunity to perform at a professional standard. The quality of work produced on the day demonstrated not only strong technical ability, but also the discipline and focus required in the modern construction sector.”
David Russell, Curriculum Area Manager at Northern Regional College added, “Events like SkillBuild NI are a powerful way to challenge learners and push them beyond the classroom. The experience helps apprentices build confidence in their abilities, sharpen their employability skills and prepare for progression within their chosen trade.”
All participants received certificates in recognition of their achievement, with the highest-performing apprentices in each category receiving prizes. Winners from the inter-campus heats will now have the opportunity to progress to the SkillBuild NI regional competitions, with the potential to advance to UK national finals later in the year.
Rachael Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training and Support at Construction Industry Training Board NI, said, “The standard of work on display at this year’s inter-campus heats was extremely impressive. It is clear that apprentices and trainees are developing the high-level skills required by the construction industry.”
Winners of the SkillBuild NI Inter-Campus Heats 2026 at Northern Regional College
Joinery
1st: Charlie Fleck (Ballymena Campus)
2nd: Allie Conway (Newtownabbey Campus)
3rd: Ethan Scates (Newtownabbey Campus)
Carpentry
1st: Robbie Buchanan (Ballymena Campus)
2nd: Jonas Lear (Coleraine Campus)
3rd: Padraig McGuckin (Magherafelt Campus)
Cabinet Making
1st: Matthew Madden (Newtownabbey Campus)
2nd: Taylor Lewis (Newtownabbey Campus)
3rd: Tony Rocks (Magherafelt Campus)
Brickwork
1st: Pauric Redmond (Ballymena Campus)
2nd: Joel Deans (Ballymena Campus)
3rd: Lewis Johnston (Ballymena Campus)
Plumbing
1st: Joel Gilchrist (Ballymena Campus)
2nd: Alex Houston (Ballymena Campus)
3rd: Aaron Neely (Ballymena Campus)
Electrical Installation
1st: Noah Downie (Newtownabbey Campus)
2nd: Lewis Armour (Newtownabbey Campus)
3rd: Owen McCallan (Newtownabbey Campus)
Winners from the inter-campus heats will now progress to the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition, taking place on Tuesday 19th May at Southern Regional College, Greenbank Campus, Newry. There, they will compete against top apprentices and trainees from colleges and training providers across Northern Ireland for a place in the UK national finals later in the year.
Applications for courses at Northern Regional College are now open.
For more information, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.