Championing the Next Generation at SkillBuild NI 2025
Construction Futures was proud to sponsor and support the 2025 SkillBuild NI Regional Competition, hosted at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus. This annual event run by CITB continues to be a cornerstone in the development of young construction talent across Northern Ireland - and this year’s competition was no exception.
Pictured L-R: Construction Futures’ Head of Strategic Development, Fionnuala McKenna and Education Engagement Co-Ordinator, Jenni Marshall
SkillBuild NI provides a unique and high-energy platform for students and apprentices to showcase their practical skills, creativity, and dedication to their trades. From bricklaying and carpentry to plastering and tiling, the competition covered a wide range of disciplines, each judged by industry professionals to the highest standards.
As supporters of the event, we were thrilled to be on site for the day’s activities. The campus buzzed with enthusiasm, and it was inspiring to witness the hard work, focus, and professionalism of each competitor. The atmosphere reflected the real passion these young people have for their craft—and the promising future they represent for our industry.
We’re especially grateful to CITB NI and SERC for the invitation to exhibit at the event. Having a stand allowed us to connect directly with visiting school groups, talk to students about their career ambitions, and share more about the opportunities available through Construction Futures. It was a fantastic chance to not only engage with future tradespeople but also to offer guidance and resources to support their journey into the construction sector.
In addition to our presence at the event, we were proud to sponsor 22 JP Corry vouchers, awarded to 2nd and 3rd place winners across all competition categories. These vouchers are intended to help the competitors continue building their careers—literally and figuratively—by giving them a head start in purchasing essential tools, equipment, and supplies. As well as these vouchers, we sponsored the attendance of some local schools by providing transport to ensure their students could take in the atmosphere and be inspired by the day.
We were also delighted to conduct interviews with a number of competitors, hearing firsthand about their experiences, motivations, and the sense of pride they felt taking part in such a prestigious event. Their stories were a reminder of why initiatives like SkillBuild NI are so vital in celebrating hands-on skills and raising the profile of trades within the broader education system.
Overall, it was a fantastic day full of inspiration, learning, and optimism for what lies ahead. We're already looking forward to returning next year to support, connect, and champion the next wave of talent coming into the industry.
Pictured L-R: Construction Futures’ Head of Strategic Development, Fionnuala McKenna and Education Engagement Co-Ordinator, Jenni Marshall
