William McNally, St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook with Mr Charlie Byrne receiving award for 2nd place in GCSE construction from Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has acknowledged the academic success of the top four local students who achieved the highest grades in GCSE construction in NI for 2010.

This subject has been developed by CCEA to give students a realistic understanding and experience of Construction that will enable them to develop an authentic working relationship with the real world-of-work. In light of the interest into the built environment GCSE construction has grown in popularity over the past six years growing from 100 candidates in 2005  to total of 780 candidates in 2010.

First place with the highest grade was awarded to Thomas Toner from Cullybackey High School with joint second awarded to Stephen Shaw, Ballymena Academy and William McNally, St Pauls High School, Bessbrook and Jack Grugan, St Patricks High School, Keady gaining third place.

By way of recognition the students were invited to the annual Skillbuild NI event to receive their school bursaries sponsored by CITB-ConstructionSkills NI.  The event was followed by a tour of the annual skills competition, which was recently held at South Eastern Regional College, Newtownards Campus.

On presenting the awards, Barry Neilson, Chief Executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI, said, “It is a pleasure to acknowledge the outstanding results that these young people have achieved. Construction is a really vital and rewarding career that leaves a lasting legacy for communities and future generations.  I think its fitting to make these presentations to three people who could be future captains of the construction industry at the Skillbuild NI National finals..  Here, our current crop of apprentices are showing us what can be achieved and demonstrating that they are operating at the highest level. During these difficult times, we need to encourage young people to enter our industry so as to prevent skills gaps in the future.  We not only congratulate these student on their achievements we also wish them every success in their future career.”