An apprentice grabbed top spot in the Seniors World Skills competition after two of the college's budding painting and decorating stars headed to City College Plymouth. SkillBuild is the UK's biggest construction competition that showcases skills in 10 craft occupations and gives the competitors the opportunity to challenge for a place on the World Skills team.

Neither apprentices from Exeter College – Connor Lovering, 17 and Alex England, 23 – had entered the annual competition before but that was no problem particularly for Alex England, who grabbed top spot in the Seniors Category and now waits to see if he qualifies for the national finals with, ultimately, the possibility of competing in the World Skills 2015 competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

SkillBuild, managed by CITB the sector skills council, is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainers and apprentices and the regional heat in Plymouth attracted over 100 contestants. Competitors worked on test plans which take a day to compete which challenged them on both theoretical and practical skills needed within the industry.

“We're delighted with the commitment of both Connor and Alex to the competition”, said Stephen Elwell, construction lecturer “It means extra work and energy on top of their college training and their jobs with local employers Pollington Decorators and Lamars Decorating Contractors. Connor competed in the new entrant category working well on a difficult 3 part project and Alex excelled in his seniors group with a marking out, freehand painting and stencilling challenge.”

“We've increased the number of students across the faculty who are entering these prestigious competitions since it raises the profile of the construction skills, focuses on very high standards and provides a unique experience for trainees stretching their professional skills under competition pressure. Connor and Alex were selected as the best of the best of our apprentices and there is a real buzz within their college groups raising the standards of their work which enhances their skills in the workplace.”