Chichester College Group students dominate at regional SkillBuild competition

Three students from two Chichester College Group (CCG) colleges took the top three places at a recent regional SkillBuild competition.

The trio – representing Crawley and Brinsbury Colleges – demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and technical ability in the furniture and cabinet making category.

Sam Thornton, currently studying a level 2 furniture making course at Crawley College, took first place having impressed judges with his precision, creativity, and professionalism during the intense event, held at Oaklands College in St Albans earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Fraser Johnson and Elijah Norton – both in their first year of studying furniture making at Brinsbury College – came second and third (respectively).

Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive at CCG, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Sam, Fraser and Elijah and their achievement in this competition.

“Across CCG, we have proud pedigree of furniture making and have seen students go on to achieve success nationally and internationally in the SkillBuild and WorldSkills competitions and it is wonderful to see this legacy continuing.

“I know how competitive this field is, and the competition standard on the day was high – so it is testament to the students’ hard work, preparation and dedication. It also reflects the high standard of training provided by our staff.

“We now look forward to finding out if they have secured a place at the SkillBuild national finals later this year.”

SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the UK’s largest multi-trade competition, and has been designed to promote excellence among the next generation of construction professionals.