SurreyFE Construction Skills competition

Congratulations and well-done to our Level 1 Carpentry and Level 2 Brickwork students, for showcasing their skills at the recent SurreyFE Construction Skills competition, hosted at Brooklands Technical College.

The exciting and highly competitive competition saw students from three Surrey colleges—East Surrey, Brooklands, and Nescot highlight their skills in three key areas - brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation, with separate tasks designed for Level 1 and Level 2 students:

• Brickwork - The task involved constructing two distinct wall structures, with different plans for the Level 1 and Level 2 students. The students were required to build the walls and then install insulation to meet specific guidelines.
• Carpentry - In the carpentry category, students were tasked with building a planned structure, including a roof installation, and then applying insulation.
• Insulation - The insulation segment of the competition was particularly crucial, as students had to follow detailed installation guidance to meet the latest building regulations. Each student was given a guidance sheet outlining the proper techniques and standards for installing insulation.

Well-done to our Level 2 Brickwork students, Emmanuel and Billy for winning awards for their skilled structure and insulation work and to our team of Level 1 Carpentry students for their awards for skilful insulation and stud work.

The event provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical abilities while adhering to the latest building regulations and installation standards. With tasks tailored for different levels of expertise, the competition proved to be an excellent learning experience and a platform for future talent in the construction industry.

Morgan from Kingspan, a key technical advisor for the event, highlighted the importance of staying up to date with constantly evolving building regulations and installation standards. According to Morgan, "New products are being released all the time, and it's essential to learn the proper installation techniques by following updated guidance. This ensures both safety and quality in the building process."

In line with SurreyFE's core values, the competition also emphasised collaboration across the colleges, with students, staff, and mentors coming together to share knowledge, exchange skills, and work towards a common goal of excellence in construction.

The event concluded with a ceremony to celebrate the winners and recognise their efforts. While the competition was fierce, the focus was on fostering learning and professional development among aspiring builders. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and thanks to the staff from East Surrey College, Brooklands Technical College, and Nescot for their commitment to preparing future tradespeople.

A special thank you to Kingspan for their vital support and sponsorship, particularly through Morgan’s technical advisory role, which helped make the event educational and successful. Their involvement underscores their dedication to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals.

The SurreyFE construction skills competition continues to be an outstanding platform for students to showcase their passion and skills in a collaborative and challenging environment.

For information and to apply for our Construction courses and apprenticeships visit our website here.