BRADFORD College Level 2 Joinery Apprentice, Ahmed Shakir is set to compete at the prestigious SkillBuild National Final later this month.
Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is the UK’s largest multi-trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices, spotlighting top talent from across the country.
Ahmed’s journey with Bradford College began in 2021 when he enrolled on a Carpentry and Joinery course, completing both Level 1 and Level 2 over two years. Eager to further develop his skills, he joined Abrahams & Carlisle in September 2023 to begin his apprenticeship in Bench Joinery.
Jonathan Hemingway, Director at Abrahams & Carlisle, said: “Ahmed’s talent was clear from the beginning. He took to the work immediately, crafting custom joinery items with an impressive level of skill and precision.”
This year, Abrahams & Carlisle entered Ahmed into the SkillBuild Regional Competition, held in July at York College, where he competed against other top apprentices from across the region. Ahmed was placed second, and with one of the highest scores in his category, secured a spot in the National Final.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ahmed said, “Being one of the final eight was a huge surprise, but it’s exciting! I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Ahmed’s achievements add to Bradford College’s proud legacy of excellence in apprenticeship training, designed to equip students with practical skills and connect them with industry leaders like Abrahams & Carlisle.
The College has supported hundreds of apprentices in building fulfilling careers and achieving their professional goals, with recent Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) reports revealing Bradford College as one of England’s top five large Further Education colleges for apprenticeship achievement rates.
The SkillBuild National Final will take place from November 18-21 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. Competing apprentices from across the UK will showcase their skills in a series of timed challenges designed to test their expertise, precision, and adaptability.
* Find out more about Bradford College Apprenticeships by booking your place at our next Open Day on Saturday, November 23, from (10am to 1pm. Visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk
