A TALENTED Newcastle construction trainee is demonstrating his plastering and dry wall systems skills at an international competition this week.
Jamie Fineran, who works for GT Contracts, is one of only eight construction trainees from the UK to be competing in the built environment sector of this year’s WorldSkills, the world’s largest international skills competition for young people from across the globe.
The competition showcases the skills of those currently working in the built environment, as well as highlighting the career opportunities available to help attract the next generation into the profession.
To secure his place on the Team UK Squad, Fineran, along with the other finalists, had to undergo several years of training and assessment and, like many of the other trainees, had previously won at SkillBuild, the UK’s biggest construction skills competition.
As part of Team UK, his has been through an intensive training programme, including a three-day residential training course and has also been supported by a dedicated training manager, who has provided him with one-to-one training.
He said: “I’m proud to be part of the team officially and successfully. This really hit me when I saw the other team members.”
Russel Buckley, regional development manager for awards sponsor CITB-ConstructionSkills in the North East, said: “WorldSkills is a great opportunity to recognise and highlight the talent that is coming through the construction industry.
“It is testament to the hard work of Jamie, his employer, training provider and the Team UK staff that he has secured a place in this prestigious competition and has the opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage.
“We wish Jamie the very best of luck with the competition this week and hope that it helps inspire future generations of skilled, high-quality professionals for the industry.”
More than 1,000 competitors are taking part in WorldSkills 2011 from more than 50 countries competing in 46 skills areas ranging from electronics to plumbing, web design and fashion to cabinet-making.