A Derby apprentice is heading to the national stage after impressing judges at one of the UK’s leading construction skills competitions.
Harrison Priestley, 21, an apprentice with DSP (Interiors), competed in the Drylining category at the SkillBuild Regional Finals held at Dudley Construction Apprentice Training Centre, impressing judges with his technical ability, attention to detail and determination under pressure.
His outstanding performance has now secured him a place at the SkillBuild National Final, which takes place this November and brings together the country’s most talented construction apprentices and trainees.
Organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK, designed to showcase the next generation of construction talent.
What makes Harrison’s achievement even more remarkable is that many competitors came from colleges and training providers that run dedicated SkillBuild preparation programmes and practice sessions.
Harrison entered the competition without that additional support but rose to the challenge and delivered an exceptional performance.
He said: “I felt completely out of my depth when I arrived at the regional competition and by the halfway mark it was obvious I was quite behind all the other competitors.
“I’d never built anything free standing before and I struggled to get mine to stay upright by itself. But during the break I had a word with myself and really went for it in the second half.
“I was surprised when the judges said I’d come second, but I think it’s because we have really high standards at DSP and so I am used to completing everything I do to a high standard.”
His success highlights the importance of apprenticeship programmes in developing the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
Harrison will now spend the coming months preparing for the SkillBuild National Final, where he will compete against the best young dryliners from across the UK.
Louisa Priestley, managing director of DSP (Interiors) said: “Harrison has shown real determination, resilience and professionalism throughout the competition. We know he’ll represent both DSP and the wider industry brilliantly in November.”
“Whatever happens at the national final, he has already made everyone at DSP Interiors extremely proud.”
For more information about SkillBuild, visit www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild.
