Here at New College Stamford we had the honour of hosting the Construction Skills Academy regional competition, which aims to refine students’ technical skills.

In total 50 full-time Construction students at Level 1 and 2 from New College Stamford, Grantham College, Boston College, Melton College, Nottingham College, West Nottinghamshire College took on each other to challenge their trades skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Plumbing and Electrical Installation. The 4-hour challenge asked students to build, make and design various structures within their chosen trade.

Gary McPartland Director of Learning said: “The standard of student’s work here today was exceptional. The competition was incredibly tough to judge with some amazing talent on display.”

Richard Brickwood Head of Department, said: “Competitions like this are a great opportunity for students to work towards a real brief under tight time constraints, testing their skills and knowledge against students from other colleges. I am very proud of our competitors, the challenge not only stretched their technical skills, it helped them realise just what they are capable of!”

Out of all of the competing colleges, New College Stamford took home an amazing 7 places, achieving both 1^st and 2^nd place in Plumbing and 1^st place in Bricklaying!

Congratulations to all who competed. The hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition puts New College’s Stamford construction department amongst some of the best regional talent. Winners included; Jack Hudson (1^st Place Plumbing), Dexter Martell (2^nd Place Plumbing), Harry Starbuck Peters (Level 1 Winner Bricklaying), Luke Clegg (Bricklaying Runner Up), Dan Ward and Henry Cross (3^rd Place Joinery).

We want to say a massive thank you again to Taylor Wimpey who not only judged our competition, but also took on five participants as apprentices, AND donated a large quantity of industry standard building materials from their sites.

Would you be interested in starting a prosperous career in the Construction industry? Take a look on our website to see the vast range of amazing courses we have to offer here at New College Stamford!