TWO college students put their skills to the test in Birmingham.

Jack Shakeshaft, 20 and Jamie Richardson, 18, from South Cheshire College, both represented bricklaying and carpentry in the new entrant category of the SkillBuild competition.

SkillBuild is the UK’s largest construction skills competition and has been running for more than 45 years.

Jack, on a bricklaying apprenticeship, said: “I was slightly on the back foot having arrived late to the competition with not much time to review the plans. I soon gained momentum and got stuck in.

“The standard was very high so I was really pleased to gain second place, as was my boss, although given I came so close to that top spot I would have loved to have won.”

Jamie secured third place in the regional heats in the carpentry new entrant category.

He said: “I was really chuffed to gain a top three placement and pleased that the college put me forward for the competition.

“The challenge was to make a miniature traditional roof, including a wall plate and fascia boards, which had to be completed to the highest quality and all within six hours.

“I didn’t expect to land a top three position as I’ve had limited practice. I was completely shocked and surprised when they announced me name but was delighted to gain third place.”

For more information on studying in construction at South Cheshire College, visit scc.ac.uk or call 01270 654654.