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SkillBuild 2010 Regional Finalist - Plastering

Tom has proved he is the best in Yorkshire and the Humber by winning the plastering category at the regional heat of Britain's biggest construction skills competition - SkillBuild 2010 held at the College.

Tom had to complete a practical piece for the competition that involved drawing out measurements using a drawing provided my British Gypsum. He then had to plaster a board, set panel moulding and fix and mitre it. Tom was encouraged by both his tutor, Mick Glossop and his employer to enter the competition again, as he came third in 2009 and thought this was an excellent opportunity to improve on last year.

Tom has just completed his second year at the College and works as a Plasterer for Wakefield District Housing, he is currently renovating nursing homes.

When asked why he wanted to learn the plastering trade, he said:
"I wanted to do an apprenticeship so I applied for a position at Wakefield District Housing, 650 people applied and only 16 places were available. I was lucky enough to be offered a place".

Tom really enjoys the practical side of his job so he wants to continue what he is doing now but may consider having his own business in the future.

Charlotte knew she wanted to do something different when at 16 years old she left Intake High School; something different to the usual jobs associated with girls. Not knowing quite what that was she searched the websites and applied to Leeds College of Building for the plastering course and Bradford College for something in public services.

Charlotte is now in her second year and has settled into this two year course.
She said,

"I found it difficult at first settling into what is predominantly a male environment as I missed female company, but the effort was well worth it and I soon made friends."

On her own admission Charlotte is a bit impatient so she loves skimming walls as she can quickly see the finished piece. She is working hard at fibrous plastering and running moulds as this type of work takes a little more patience.

Charlotte is looking forward to see if she has gained a place with Connaught on their apprenticeship scheme.

When asked where she saw her future, she said,

"I would like to work for a company to gain workplace experience and then after a few years set up my own business called "Girls in Pink"

When Charlotte left school she knew she wanted a career in Construction. To help her with her decision on what course to study, she attended Summer School to give her a taste of the courses available. She decided on Plumbing and later completed her first year.

Charlotte knew long term she wanted to do an apprenticeship and when BEST visited the College during her first year to give a presentation, she knew this was the best option for the future. She is now employed by Johnston Controls as an Engineer and attends College once a week to study Heating & Ventilation (Service & Maintenance).

She said:

"I really like coming to College one day a week and enjoy doing both practical and theory work. I can apply what I have learnt at College in my day to day role as an Engineer".

Charlotte recently won an award at the Awards Ceremony 2009 for her second year studying Heating & Ventilation (Service & Maintenance).

She has also won the Yorkshire Individual Achievement Award 2009 for the NVQ 2 Service and Maintenance and will be collecting her award at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford in January 2010.

Charlotte plans to gain some experience on site and then complete a Facilities Management course through distance learning at the College so she can continue working full time whilst she studies.

SkillBuild 2010 Regional Finalist - Painting & Decorating

Kyle has proved he is the best in Yorkshire and the Humber by winning the painting & decorating category at the regional heat of Britain’s biggest construction skills competition - SkillBuild 2010 held at the College.

Kyle had to complete a practical piece for the competition that involved setting out, stencilling, wallpapering and painting. His tutor, Mark Bower encouraged him to enter the competition.

Kyle has just completed his first year at the College and works as a Painter & Decorator for Bell Decorating Group, he is currently working on some fascias and soffits in York.

When asked why he wanted to learn the painting & decorating trade, he said:
"Both my Dad and Grandad were Decorators and I wanted to follow in their footsteps".

Kyle wants to complete the next two years of College before making any decisions on his future within the trade.

MCIOB—Member of the Chartered - Institute of Building

Lee Broadbent an ex student from Leeds College of Building has recently sat a professional review with the CIOB for full chartered membership which he gained with glowing comments from the panel.

Lee first studied at the College in 2006 where he was awarded the CIOB Certificate in Site Management and the CIOB Diploma in Site Management. He then went on to study the CIOB's Experienced Practitioner Assessment Programme.

Lee is now working as a Senior Site Manager for a construction company called ISG, who deliver award winning new build, refurbishment and fit out services internationally with operations in the UK, Europe and Asia.

Lee manages large construction sites and has direct responsibility for everything that happens on site.

We asked Lee what his career aspirations are, he said:
"The sky's the limit, I want to progress into Construction Management and then into a Construction Directorship. You have to set yourself goals and believe you can achieve them".

Lee attended a graduation ceremony at Englemere, Ascot to celebrate his achievement and share the experience with family and friends.