Three students from North West Regional College (NWRC) have won top awards at the 2026 Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) annual SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition.
Robin Ward, a Painting and Decorating apprentice from Springtown Campus won first prize in his category with classmate Daniel McDaid taking second place. And Jack Rogers, from NWRC’s Greystone campus won second prize in Wall and Floor Tiling for the second year in a row.
The Skillbuild competition is a search for the top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland and a showcase of the wealth of talent, professionalism, and the brightest recruits throughout the industry.
Over 100 of the brightest recruits and top performers within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland competed against each other to win in categories: Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire and Security Installation, Joinery, Drylining, Plastering, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. Supported by Department for the Economy and local construction companies, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive talent within the workforce, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
Winners from the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition, may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.
Barry Neilson OBE, Chief Executive CITB NI, said:
“Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Competition 2026. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to showcase their skills, connect with other like-minded individuals and demonstrate their commitment to building a career in the construction industry. Events like this play an important role in encouraging and developing the next generation of talent, which is vital for supporting industry growth and shaping the future workforce. I would like to thank our partners CITB (GB) and SRC for their continued support, the Department for Economy and industry sponsors and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
Principal & CEO, Southern Regional College, Mrs Lee Campbell, added:
“We were absolutely delighted to host the SkillBuild NI Regional competition here at Southern Regional College and to welcome such a talented and dedicated group of competitors. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only technical excellence, but also the determination, focus and professionalism that are so important in today’s industries.”
For further details courses at NWRC due to start in September 2026 including all of the college’s apprenticeships and traineeships please visit www.nwrc.ac.uk/fulltime
Daniel McDaid won second place in painting and decorating.
Robin Ward won first place in painting and decorating.
jack Rogers won second place in Wall and Floor Tiling
