Furness College celebrates after being named the Best College in the UK by CITB and SkillBuild.

The accolade was given to the college after the construction staff had entered students into construction regional SkillBuild competitions and generated the best overall average scores. The staff only just missed out on the title of lecturer of the year – presented to staff who go that extra mile – by Ealing Hammersmith and Acton College.

So far this year the construction department has seen successes with Painting & Decorating apprentice Connor Lambton who, after winning his regional UK final then represented the UK at the euro skills in Lille in France. Connor is now training hard to make the UK team for the WorldSkills in São Paulo, Brazil in 2015. Connor will be competing against two other finalists from other UK colleges at a skills competition being held at Furness College the week of the 9 – 13 February. This event forms part of three skills challenges to see which of the three competitors will represent the UK at WorkdSkills. Other successes have seen Michael Phillips gain bronze medal at the UK Skills build finals in Birmingham.

Furness College construction Curriculum manager Brian Bibby said, “I am tremendously proud of all the team and our superb students. Entering competitions is an extra pressure for lecturers, students and their employers as the dedication and training time required is huge – but it is fantastic way of showing off the amazing talents of our students not only in Furness and Cumbria, but showcasing their abilities to the rest of the UK. Congratulations to everyone who has taken part.”

At an official event at the college, Les Inkpen, SkillBuild Competition Manager presented a shield in recognition of the college’s success and said, “CITB is delighted to announce that Furness College will be hosting one of our SkillBuild 2015 Regional Heats. We look forward to the event on 25th June 2015”.