Apprentices take top spots at KFE4Skills Construction heats

Our apprentices set the benchmark for quality at this year’s KFE4Skills Construction Heats, taking home an impressive series of wins across the senior divisions. Competing in nearly every category, our apprentices secured first-place finishes in bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, and painting and decorating.

The KFE4Skills heats are a vital part of the competition calendar, acting as the qualifier for the final competition against other Kent Further Education (KFE) Colleges, including MidKent and North Kent College.

Tasks are designed to test real-world skills, with students completing difficult technical briefs such as painting patterned wall designs with curved edges and building complex roof sections by hand.

Callum Jennings, a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprentice who won the senior carpentry heat, reflected on the challenge: “I think today has gone very well. My main goal was to win and to prove my ability. Adam [who also came second] and I were chosen to represent the College from a group of 20 other apprentices. It felt good to be selected, and I’m proud to represent the College.

“The task involved building a roof with an angled gable end, which includes compound cuts. It might look simple on the plans, but it’s actually very complex. Our performance today really shows the importance of teamwork.”

In the Painting and Decorating workshop, Level 2 apprentice, Euan, reflected on the value of the practice: “Personally I’ve never done anything this detailed at work, so it’s good to try something new and push yourself. It’s all helpful practice.”

Euan proceeded to explain that winning wasn’t his main goal for the day: “It’s good to remember no matter how today goes, it doesn’t determine whether or not we can go into a house and complete a job. I know I can do that, so today is about practicing skills I don’t often have the chance to do.  And ultimately, I know all of my competitors so it’s just a bit of friendly competition.”

Supporting our apprentices throughout the day were our industry partners, who provided the tools and expertise to help our learners reach professional standards.

Adrian Walker from JDW Tools and Fixings was impressed with the talent on display, commenting: “We sponsored one of the carpentry heats and provided tools for the competitors. We want students to understand that the quality of their work is influenced not only by their skill but also by the tools they use.

“I’ve had the chance to look at both the carpentry and joinery work on display, and I’ve been very impressed. Some of the students have real talent.”

The day concluded with a celebration of our apprentices’ hard work. Clare, Principal of EKC Folkestone College, joined department heads, Nik and Ashley to present the winners of each category with industry-standard equipment and bespoke trophies.

Across East Kent Colleges Group, apprentices managed to collect an impressive 11 awards including five gold medals, demonstrating the highest level of craftsmanship.

We are incredibly proud of the professional attitude shown by all of our apprentices throughout the day and wish them luck as they prepare for the KFE4Skills finals next month.

EKC Training College Medal Table