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Five Southern Regional College (SRC) apprentices will compete at the SkillBuild national finals at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, on 18 and 19 November. Four are tiling apprentices, meaning SRC tilers make up half of the competitors in their category, while the fifth is a recently qualified joinery apprentice. The group includes apprentices from Tandragee, Madden, Forkhill and Portadown.
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The finals will see the SRC apprentices compete against talented apprentices and tradespeople from the UK.
The four tiling competitors are Level 3 apprentices Pearse McDonnell (18), from Forkhill, who is employed by John Morgan Tiling and Kristopher McIlrath (18), from Madden, Armagh, who is employed by tiler Melvin Millar. They are joined by Alan Holubowicz (18), from Tandragee, who is employed by DLP Tiling, and Taylor Bowman (18), from Portadown, who works in his family’s tiling business, Bowman Decor.
Holubowicz returns to the national finals having competed last year, while McIlrath, McDonnell and Bowman will make their national debuts. For McDonnell, the competition also continues a connection with SkillBuild through his employer, former SRC student and national finalist John Morgan.
The apprentices have been preparing through an intensive training programme under SRC tiling lecturer Peter Farelly. Speaking ahead of the finals, Farelly said: “By the time the national finals come around, our apprentices will have completed between eight and ten weeks of intensive training, covering every aspect of the competition task. I have every confidence that they will arrive fully prepared and capable of producing work to an exceptionally high standard.”
“My advice to them is simple: take their time, trust their training and apply the techniques they have practised. If they remain focused, work accurately and perform to the best of their ability, they will put themselves in a very strong position to achieve success.”
Holubowicz’s previous appearance gives him valuable experience of the demands of a national final, but competition for success will be strong, including from his fellow SRC apprentices. Peter added:
“Alan has the advantage of having experienced the intensity of a national final before. He understands the pressure of competing against the clock, maintaining precision and delivering quality workmanship.”
“With three other talented apprentices from SRC competing this year, Alan knows he will have to bring his A-game. There is healthy competition between them, which has pushed each apprentice to raise their standards throughout training. I believe that competitive spirit will stand them in good stead at the finals.”
The fifth SRC competitor is recently qualified joinery apprentice Taylor Crooks (20), from Tandragee. He has secured his first place at the national finals following previous appearances in inter-college and regional competitions.
Crooks has completed his apprenticeship course and now works full-time at furniture company Derry Ltd in Annaghmore. He has returned to College to prepare for the finals, working from drawings used in previous competitions and completing practice tasks to replicate the demands he will face.
SRC joinery lecturer Eugene McShane said of Crooks: “Taylor takes real pride in his joinery, and reaching the SkillBuild National Finals is recognition of the skill and commitment he has shown throughout his time at SRC. Joinery at this level requires strong practical ability, accurate drawing skills and a focused approach and Taylor has worked hard to earn his place.”
“Although he has now finished his course, he’s been back in College practising tasks from previous finals, helping him get a feel for what to expect. My hope is that he enjoys the experience, takes confidence from reaching the National Final and shows what he can do. We’re already very proud of him.”
For all five competitors, the finals offer an opportunity to demonstrate their craftsmanship, put their training into practice and gain experience alongside some of the UK’s most promising apprentices.
