Plastering 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 plastering winners with tutors and sponsors

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.   

In the Plastering category of the competition, first place went to Lisburn Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering apprentice David Johnston (20, Saintfield) and second place went to Newtownards Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering apprentice Jake Shields (19, Bangor). 

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.   

Applications for full-time courses are now open online. Come along to our Full-time Open Evening, 4pm - 7pm on Thursday 5 March, at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses. Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.