Construction Trades Apprentices Against the Clock in Skills Competition

Talented Apprentices in construction trades will be putting their skills to the test as City College Norwich hosts the R.E. Carter Awards for Norfolk and Waveney Building Apprentices on Thursday 22 April. Apprentices from across the region will be under pressure to complete challenges in bricklaying, plumbing, painting and decorating, carpentry and electrical installation.  At stake is not just the honour of being recognised as the best apprentices in the area, but also the chance to progress and compete in the national WorldSkills UK competitions.

The competition is in its 34th year and showcases the skills of the many apprentices working in the local construction industry whilst studying at college one day a week. Over 60 competitors from the Carter Academy, Lowestoft College, Great Yarmouth College, the College of West Anglia and City College Norwich will compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in each category.

Apprentices will be assessed by a team of independent judges from the local construction industry and colleges.  Competitors first have to analyse a drawing and translate this into a work plan.  They are then given less than 6 hours to complete their model or exercise to industry standards and specifications, working under the scrutiny of their employers and fellow students.

The R.E. Carter Awards for Norfolk and Waveney Building Apprentices also act as the regional heats of the WorldSkills UK vocational skills competitions.    The day’s gold medal winners will have the opportunity to progress to the national WorldSkills UK competition in each vocational area.  Run annually, WorldSkills UK skills competitions aim to encourage people across the UK to excel in their vocational skill.  The most successful competitors in the national competitions may even be considered for selection to the shortlist for Squad and Team UK, with the possibility of representing the nation at the world’s biggest international skills competition, WorldSkills, which is being held at ExCel London, from 5th-8th October 2011.

Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event. The competition is a great opportunity for these young apprentices to demonstrate their skills to colleagues and employers and show how dedicated they are to the trade. At a time when domestic house building is likely to be a significant feature in the regeneration of Norfolk’s economy it is fantastic to see so many highly skilled young people working in the construction industry locally.”