Harry to represent Grŵp in SkillBuild National Final
Former Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor student Harry Sutherland will compete in the plastering competition at the UK final in Milton Keynes
Harry Sutherland will represent Grŵp Llandrillo Menai in the SkillBuild National Final.
The 21-year-old from Pwllheli will compete in the plastering category at the UK finals in November, after being selected as one of the top eight competitors from across the country.
It is the second year running that Harry has made the final, after he finished fourth in last year’s competition.
Harry has recently completed his Level 2 Diploma in Plastering, via an apprenticeship through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and his employers Derwen Llyn Construction Ltd.
Before that he studied at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Pwllheli, and will be returning to the college for a week to practise ahead of the National Final. He will also spend a week training at the office of plasterboard manufacturer British Gypsum.
Harry said of the SkillBuild competition: “It’s a good chance to showcase what you can do. It’s good fun but it also puts you under pressure to test your skills.”
Progressing in the competition is also good for the CV, as Harry explains: “I’m employed but I also do jobs for myself outside of work, and it’s definitely a bonus that I can say I came fourth in the UK last year.”
Harry benefited from his time at college, especially once he started his apprenticeship and was able to put the skills he was learning into action.
“You get to have that hands-on experience at work,” he said. “In college you learn the theory behind it and that helps you understand the practical side more.
“I’d recommend doing an apprenticeship, because it splits your week up and you learn much quicker because you’re able to put what you learn at college into practice at work.”
The SkillBuild National Final 2024, taking place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, comprises competitions across 10 construction trades.
Competitors will need to construct a project created by a panel of judges within an 18-hour time frame, over three days. The competition project will test their knowledge and skills, while competitors will need to be able to work under pressure within strict timelines, and ensure they adhere to health and safety protocols.
The competition will be open to visitors from 9am on Wednesday 20 November and Thursday 21 November 2024. For more information, click here or go to goconstruct.org/skillbuild