Friday 13 March 2020

Skills Test success for Highlands

Two students from Highlands College have won first place for their respective trades in an inter-island competition after showcasing what they have learned during their apprenticeships.

Hannah Willcocks (plumbing) and Richard Abreu (carpentry and joinery) took home the top prizes at the Skills Test Competition after completing a timed challenge related to their trade. They had six hours to complete their work, which was judged by industry specialists.

In total four students from Highlands College took part in the competition. Alongside Hannah and Richard, Luca Frankson competed in the electrical category, and Andrew Davies competed in the painting and decorating category.

The competition is organised by University College Isle of Man and brings together 70 competitors to celebrate apprentices’ achievements. The Highlands College students were sponsored to attend the competition by Garenne Construction Group.

Deputy Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, said: “I’m pleased to see that – once again – Highlands College students have proven themselves on the national stage. Their success is testament to high quality of the staff, as well their own efforts. It also demonstrates the standard of on-island vocational courses, which provide an excellent pathway to the world or work, or to further study for our community.”

Tony Tyrer, Director of Construction and Engineering at Highlands College, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Andrew, Hannah, Luca and Richard. Each one of them is passionate about their work, and each one of them has risen to the challenge of competing  against the best apprentices from around the British Isles.”

Hannah Willcocks, a third-year plumbing apprentice said: “As a female apprentice I think it is so important to highlight to other women how rewarding and fulfilling a career in construction can be. We really need more women and girls in the industry!”

Richard Abreu, a first-year joinery apprentice, said: “I’m proud that I’ve represented Highlands College in the Isle of Man: I think it’s important to showcase the talent that the new generation of craftsmen have to offer potential employers and the local industry.”