CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY IN CONSTRUCTION SKILLS COMPETITIONS

Three talented Construction Apprentices are leading the way in the South West in Construction Skills Competitions.  

Charlotte Bobbett, employed as a Yeovil College Electrical Apprentice at Abri, was recognised as the winner of the SPARKS Magazine Female Skills Southern Qualifier; Sharna Wrigley-Sothcott, employed as a Yeovil College Plumbing Apprentice at Abri, was the recognised winner of the HIP Magazine Female Skills Southern Qualifier; and Jacob Culver, Plumbing Apprentice employed by  CHG South West Limited, was crowned the South West’s regional winner of the HIP Learner of the Year competition. 

The triple successes as recognised during a lunch time celebration and awards ceremony, which took place at Yeovil College’s student-managed DaVinci Restuarant, where College teams, employers and the students reflected upon the wins so far. 

Charlotte and Sharna are now progressing to Coalville in Leicestershire to compete in their national skills competition of electrical and plumbing finals, with the chance of being named best in the country. Whilst Jacob has already delivered success for himself, Yeovil College and his employer, CHG South West Limited, achieving an impressive UK third place in his own Plumbing skills final. 

Mark Bolton, CEO & Principal, Yeovil College, presented the trio with recognition certificates and good luck cards for their onward journeys, saying:  “It is brilliant to have our students, and their employers – Abri and CHG South West – and of course our team together in one space to celebrate and to acknowledge the pride and respect we have for Jacob, Sharna and Charlotte, who are beacons within our construction department.  

“Yeovil College is leading the way for our region in Skills competitions, as we push to demonstrate and showcase the skills and talents of the young people of our region. 

“I am sure that this has not been an easy journey – it has taken the support, perseverance, encouragement and no doubt a lot of cheerleading from several people – employers, our teaching and support teams, apprenticeship teams, classmates and family.  

“It has also taken an inner belief and self-confidence; an inner voice which reaffirmed that you could achieve and exceed at this tough level. Charlotte, Sharna and Jacob – you’ve had to believe that you could achieve and then apply every element of skill, knowledge and training that you have developed to become the best. And you did it! 

“But this is just the beginning; you will take your next steps in skills competitions, you’ll become inspirational stories for other college students and future employers within your own companies, and you will encourage others to become the best they can be. Yet this will still just be the start of your future career journey.” 

It was acknowledged that a significant amount of time, effort and support has also been offered to the students, including time off to compete, time to practice and perfect, hours of additional training and development, extra teaching time, mentoring and unconditional support from your employers – everyone involved has played a key part.  

Mark continued: “I have been told that I am in the presence of some of the finest young talent of the next generation of the construction workforce, and having spent time talking to you today, I want to say this – enjoy this moment, you are now recognised and acknowledged as College, apprenticeship and your employer’s ambassadors; show the UK that Somerset is where it is at and challenge every other corner of the UK. Do your best, we don’t ask for more; but when you win in life – not just in competition, make sure you come back and tell us. Share your stories and inspire even more young people to follow in your footsteps, as they also strive to be the very best that they can be.” 

Good luck to Charlotte and Sharna in their onward journey and congratulations to Jacob for his impressive third place win.