Helston joinery student is chips in with gold medal (From Falmouth Packet)

Helston joinery student is chips in with gold medal

6:10pm Wednesday 1st July 2009

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A Helston joinery student has carved out a gold medal for himself in the regional heats of the UK’s biggest construction skills competition.

Ben Pascoe, an apprentice with David Gilbert Joinery, won gold in the joinery category at the South West heat of the SkillBuild competition, held at Somerset College of Arts and Technology.

SkillBuild, which is organised by the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, aims to find the UK’s best trainee across a variety of trades including bricklaying, carpentry and painting and decorating, as well as joinery.

The students competed against each other to complete a set piece of work within the day, which challenged the trainees to produce accurate and high quality work within a strict timescale.

The work was assessed by a panel of technical experts at the end of the day.

Ben, said: “I really enjoyed myself and am chuffed to bits that I won. It was difficult and so I was worried a little bit at the beginning but I had a good day.”

Ben will now be flying the flag for the South West and will have his chance to compete against the other UK regions at the SkillBuild national final, which will take place between October 7 and 9 at South Lanarkshire College in Scotland.

National winners from this year’s competition will then have the opportunity to represent the UK and compete in the 2011 international WorldSkills competition in London.

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