Bricklaying Wins at SERC in Intercampus SkillBuild Competition

The South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Intercampus SkillBuild Competition took place in Newtownards Campus recently, where fifty-three trainees and apprentices from across the College demonstrated their abilities in one of nine skill areas.

Picture of SkillBuild Bricklaying podium placing students

Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices and traineeship students from the Downpatrick, Lisburn, and Newtownards campuses took part in the event, which was overseen by the Construction Industry Training Board and WorldSkills. Competitors went head‑to‑head in Carpentry, Joinery, Cabinet Making, Bricklaying, Plastering, Wall and Floor Tiling, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, and Fire and Security, all aiming to secure top spots in their discipline.   

First place went to Level 2 Newtownards apprentice Fergal Gilmore (21, Portaferry), second place went to Level 2 Newtownards apprentice Eoin Murray (16, Portaferry) and third place went to Level 2 Newtownards apprentice Jerome Bell (17, Kircubbin).  

Prizes for first, second and third places were provided by several sponsors; Denis Wilson of Glenavy, Makita, JP Corry, MacBlair, Jim's DIY Lisburn, DE Services Lisburn and Fernox.   

Following SkillBuild Intercampus Competitions at all the Further Education Colleges across Northern Ireland, the top ranked competitors from each discipline will go forward to the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition being held at Southern Regional College’s Greenbank Campus on Tuesday 19 May 2026.