Newry’s Gavin Rice is highly commended at Skills Show
Gavin Rice, a plumbing learner from Newry who studies at Southern Regional College, is among the local competitors who have triumphed at the Skills Show in Birmingham.
Northern Ireland competitors brought home six gold, four silver and five bronze medals, as well as six high commendations.
The Skills Show is the UK’s largest skills and careers event and is designed to reward talent and drive up levels of expertise in further education. The UK’s most talented apprentices and learners competed at this year’s Show which took place at the NEC, Birmingham.
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has commended the local competitors, saying, “This is an excellent achievement for Northern Ireland. It is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the high level of skills we possess and the impressive talent of our workforce.
“It reflects the high standards of training in our colleges and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the competitors. Northern Ireland should feel very proud of such an inspiring performance on the UK stage.
“It takes hard work, determination and a high level of skill to compete against the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners. Northern Ireland enjoys an impressive track record at skills competitions at regional, national and world level, and our local competitors’ success at the Skills Show builds on this outstanding record of achievement,” he added.
Over 75,000 people attended the Skills Show and watched over 500 apprentices and learners battle it out in over 60 skills competitions, ranging from Forensic Science to Floristry, with the aim of being named ‘UK Champion’ in their chosen skill.
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=53983