A two day skills challenges helped showcase the construction industry in front of thousands of visitors at the 2018 Suffolk Show.
Representatives from Easton and Otley College, Suffolk New College and West Suffolk College took part in competitions that challenged their abilities in brickwork, carpentry and painting and decorating.
The teams were all independently judged by external companies and each college shared the spoils, each triumphing in one of the categories.
The results were as follows:
Brickwork
Winners – Joe Allum and Matthew Bennett – Suffolk New College
Second place – Chris Hewitt and Nathan Wright – West Suffolk College
Third place – Evan Payne and Sam Lumley
On winning the brickwork event, Joe Allum from Suffolk New College, said, “It was really good to do this and it was a nice feeling (to win). This will definitely help me in the future.”
Carpentry
Winners – Hugh Barker and Adam Strowger – Easton and Otley College
Second place – Matt Brackley and Ross Button – West Suffolk College
Third Place – Matthew Dyer and Brendan Driver – Suffolk New College
On winning the carpentry competition, Hugh Barker from Easton and Otley College, said, “I was ecstatic to win this – it was a fantastic competition and it was great to take the trophy back to Easton and Otley. This will stay in my memory for a long time.
“It was tough with the heat and all three teams did well on the day. It was a very rewarding and satisfying experience and it’s something that I won’t forget.”
Painting and decorating
Winners – Amber Sawyer and Thomas Pawlowski – West Suffolk College
Second place – Sascha Edwards and Nicola Taurus
On winning painting and decorating section of the occasion, Amber Sawyer from West Suffolk College, said, “We found out that we could do more in less time than we thought we could and the pressurised environment helped us.”
One of the independent judges was John French a lecturer from East Coast College who weren’t involved in the competition.
He said, “The standards were very good and all colleges were represented well. I hope this inspires more people to go into construction. It’s a great career and you can work anywhere in the world.”
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