Kevin O'Keefe with Craig, Scott, Ben and James
and their certificates from the heats
Four New College Nottingham plastering students are through to the WorldSkills UK 'SkillBuild Dry Walling Systems' national competition final - a new category for the WorldSkills UK competitions - after finishing 1st or 2nd in two regional heats earlier this month.
Full-time students Craig Britnell and Scott Elsmore and apprentices James O'Reilly and Ben Billows, who work for Rapide Dry Lining, will battle it out in the final between 9 - 11 March for the chance to move a step closer towards representing the UK in the next international WorldSkills competition, to be held in London in 2011.
The students are being trained by ncn Lecturer Kevin O'Keefe, who said: "All four students performed extremely well in the regional heats, and we are working hard to sharpen their skills for the next competition. We have had great support from James and Ben's employer, which I believe is crucial to their success. John A Stephens builders merchants have also been very helpful, by supplying materials for the competitors."
If successful in this competition and the subsequent short listing process, the students may have the chance to go on to represent the UK at London WorldSkills 2011.
Kevin O'Keefe will be part of WorldSkills London 2011 himself, after being chosen by UK Skills to work as a workshop supervisor, where he will check that all competitors are following the correct procedures.
Posted on 24 February 2010