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Joinery Apprentice to Compete at SkillBuild National Final 2024

Bradford College Apprenticeships continue to deliver outstanding results. Ahmed Shakir, a Level 2 Joinery Apprentice, is set to compete at the prestigious SkillBuild National Final this November.  

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 Shakir

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.”

(Left to right): Jonathan Hemingway and Ahmed Shakir

This year, Abrahams & Carlisle entered Ahmed into the SkillBuild Regional Competition held on Tuesday 2nd July 2024 at York College, where he competed against other top apprentices from across the region. Ahmed 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. Our apprenticeships are 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.

Preparing for the SkillBuild National Final

The SkillBuild National Final will take place from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st November 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. Participants like Ahmed will have three days to construct a challenging project, showcasing the skills they’ve developed through their apprenticeship and training.

Making the final builds on Ahmed’s recent achievements at the 2024 Bradford College STAR Awards, where he was named Carpentry and Joinery Student of the Year and Inspirational Student of the Year – a recognition that reflects his dedication and passion for his craft.


Discover Your Future with Bradford College

At Bradford College, apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for success. With hands-on training, real industry experience, and support from expert instructors, apprentices gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers. 

If you or someone you know is considering an apprenticeship, visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ to explore the exciting opportunities on offer. 

Also, be sure to register for our next Open Day on Saturday 23rd November 2024 (10:00-13:00), where you can meet our team, tour our facilities, and discover the right path for your future.

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