News...

Birch top of the tree at regional SkillBuild competition

22nd June 2010 - (Click any photos to enlarge)

19 year old Joe Birch from Monyash won a fantastic first place at the East Midlands heat of the UK SkillBuild competition held at Moulton College. The Chesterfield College Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice beat competition from 30 other organisations in the Site Carpentry category.

Currently an Apprentice with Bakewell-based Brocklehurst Property Maintenance, which works with prestigious clients such as Chatsworth House and Derby’s Guild Hall, Joe will now progress to the UK Skillbuild national finals in Wales this July.

Joe explains, “I entered the competition last year and came second, which was a great achievement for the Level I was at but I’m over the moon that I won it this time around. I was given a specific timeframe in which to complete a small project and I was one of the few to actually complete it. I think on top of the great tutelage from College tutors, being an Apprentice and therefore having experience on completing jobs to an actual client’s deadline stood me in good stead.”

In addition, College students also won first and second prize in the junior bricklaying category and second place in the junior painting and decorating category.