SurreyFE Construction Skills Competition
Published on 09.04.2025SurreyFE recently hosted our highly anticipated construction skills competition at Brooklands Technical College, where students from three SurreyFE colleges—East Surrey, Brooklands, and NESCOT—showcased their skills in brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation. The event provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical abilities while adhering to the latest building regulations and installation standards. With tasks tailored for different levels of expertise, the competition proved to be an excellent learning experience and a platform for future talent in the construction industry.
In line with SurreyFE’s core values, the competition also emphasised collaboration across the colleges, with students, staff, and mentors coming together to share knowledge, exchange skills, and work towards a common goal of excellence in construction.
The competition was divided into three key areas: brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation, with separate tasks designed for Level 1 and Level 2 students.
Morgan from Kingspan, a key technical advisor for the event, highlighted the importance of staying up to date with constantly evolving building regulations and installation standards. According to Morgan, “New products are being released all the time, and it’s essential to learn the proper installation techniques by following updated guidance. This ensures both safety and quality in the building process.”
Brickwork:
The task involved constructing two distinct wall structures, with different plans for the Level 1 and Level 2 students. The students were required to construct a wall and install insulation to meet specific guidelines.
- Level 1 Brickwork:
- 1st Place: Josh Tucker
- 2nd Place: Isaac Martin
- 3rd Place: Rocco Sartori
- Level 2 Brickwork:
- 1st Place: Alfie Jones
- 2nd Place: Emmanuel Meehan
- 3rd Place: Billy Sleath
Carpentry:
In the carpentry category, students were tasked with building a planned structure, including a roof installation, and then applying insulation.
- Carpentry Winners:
- 1st Place: East Surrey College
- 2nd Place (Joint): Brooklands Technical College and NESCOT
Insulation:
The insulation segment of the competition was particularly crucial, as students had to follow detailed installation guidance to meet the latest building regulations. Each student was given a guidance sheet outlining the proper techniques and standards for installing insulation. The winners of the insulation tasks were:
- Gold: Alfie Jones
- Silver: Emmanuel Meehan
- Bronze: NESCOT Carpentry Team
The event concluded with a ceremony to celebrate the winners and recognise their efforts. While the competition was fierce, the focus was on fostering learning and professional development among aspiring builders.
A special thank you to Kingspan for their vital support and sponsorship, particularly through Morgan’s technical advisory role, which helped make the event educational and successful. Their involvement underscores their dedication to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and thanks to the staff from East Surrey College, Brooklands Technical College, and NESCOT for their commitment to preparing future tradespeople. The SurreyFE construction skills competition continues to be an outstanding platform for students to showcase their passion and skills in a collaborative and challenging environment.
