Coleg Ceredigion apprentices put construction skills to the test
Many students and apprentices across Wales are waiting for Skills Competition Wales results which will be announced by during a watch party at Coleg Ceredigion as well as other colleges and training providers across the nation.
Some of these are apprentices and students at Coleg Ceredigion’s Cardigan campus who took part in a recent construction Skills Competition Wales event in Pembrokeshire.
The competition was run by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, a Welsh Government-backed initiative to support Welsh competitors in Skills Competition Wales events and to help them progress to competing at World Skills UK.
Coleg Ceredigion apprentices took part in three trade disciplines: bricklaying, site carpentry, and bench joinery.
Students and apprentices taking part included three (level three) bricklaying learners, two site carpentry apprentices, and one level three joinery apprentice.
The bricklaying competitors were Owain Thomas, employed by Delme Evans Construction Ltd, Tomos Jac Jenkins, employed by Rhodri Hopkins and Jac Raeburn, employed by Emyr Hughes Gwaith Cerrig (EH Stonework).
The carpentry representatives competing in the site carpentry category were Cerith Williams, employed by Aled Jenkins - Cartrefi AJ Homes and Steffan Gillies, employed by Carpenters Aberystwyth Ltd.
In the joinery competition was Harry Williams, a level three apprentice employed by J&E Woodworks Ltd.
Edward Evans, a Coleg Ceredigion carpentry lecturer who works within the college’s construction team said: “The competition tasks were designed to replicate real industry standards and required a high level of accuracy, planning, and time management.
“The bricklaying competitors were tasked with producing a complex brickwork module that assessed their ability to interpret drawings, maintain precise dimensions, and demonstrate clean and accurate workmanship.
“The site carpentry competitors were required to complete a detailed carpentry assembly that tested their measuring, cutting, and jointing skills.
“Meanwhile, the joinery competition involved producing a bench joinery component requiring precision, attention to detail, and high-quality finishing.
“All Coleg Ceredigion apprentices successfully completed their assigned tasks within the allocated timeframes and throughout the event they demonstrated strong levels of focus, determination, and technical competence.
Importantly, the apprentices conducted themselves in a highly professional manner throughout the day and they represented both employers and Coleg Ceredigion with pride and maturity.”
Participation in events such as Skills Competition Wales is extremely valuable for apprentices. It provides them with an opportunity to benchmark their skills against peers from other colleges and gain experience working under competitive conditions.
The event also promotes high standards of craftsmanship and encourages learners to push their abilities further within their chosen trades.
Results of the competition will be announced live on March 18 as part of the Inspiring Skills awards evening.
Coleg Ceredigion will be hosting a watch party where learners, staff, and supporters will gather to watch the live announcement of results across each competition area.
These events highlight the strong partnerships between the college and local employers who continue to support the development of skilled tradespeople within the construction industry.
Edward Evans, Coleg Ceredigion carpentry lecturer added: “We have also entered learners in the Guild of Bricklayers competition (pictured) and into the Skillbuild competition in June.