10th November 2016
South Devon College Carpentry student Ricky Collyer will be competing in the national finals of the SkillBuild construction competition. Ricky was one of over 100 competitors who took part in the South West regional heat of Skillbuild in April this year. Ricky progressed from the full-time Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry to a full-time Level 3 Apprenticeship and is currently working with Bovey Construction.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It has been running for over 45 years touring the country looking for the best in regional talent from the construction industry. Trainees were put through their paces during the day under the watchful eye of expert judges showcasing the very best skills in all disciplines.
During the regional heats, Ricky won ‘Gold’ in the Senior Carpentry category, achieving one of the highest scores in the Country, this accolade meant Ricky qualified for a place in the nationals where winners from each regional heat will compete for the prestigious national title. The competition will take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of November at the Birmingham NEC.
Ricky is thriving with his current employer, Bovey Construction. The company has been delivering some of the West Country’s most impressive one-off, landmark domestic properties for 25 years. Having started as a family building business, they are now a team of over 30 construction specialists.
Ricky said, “I didn’t think I was going to win in the regionals so to be heading to the national competition feels amazing. I couldn’t have done it without the support from the College and the invaluable experience from my employer.”
Jonny Standing, Ricky’s Tutor and Programme Co-ordinator of Woodtrades at South Devon College said, “Ricky was an outstanding team player who loved a challenge and had an exceptional eye for detail. Ricky can work under pressure and still produce work to the highest of standards. The carpentry team are very proud of Ricky’s achievements and wish him all the best for the upcoming National SkillBuild Finals.”
To find out more about the Construction courses the College offers from apprenticeships to full-time courses or university degrees, visit sdcdev, call 08000 380 123 or join us for the next, Open Evening on 16th November 2016 at the Paignton Campus on Long Road, TQ4 7EJ 5pm-8pm.