COLLEGE stonemasons have been winning awards at the national finals of an industry competition.

Trainees Thomas Whitehead, 20, and Jamie Harris, 22, took home medals from the construction skills competition SkillBuild 2010.

Both are apprentices with Albion Stone and are taking their qualifications at Weymouth College.

Thomas took the gold medal and Jamie claimed bronze in the competition, hosted by Coleg Menai in Llangefni, North Wales.

Jamie said: “It feels fantastic to have won a medal at the UK final of SkillBuild and to be named as one of the best construction trainees in the country.

“The competition at this level is fierce, so to come out on top and demonstrate the expert skill and experience I have attained is amazing.

“It really helps to boost your confidence and I know I’ve made all of those who supported me, including my employer, very proud.

“Hopefully, it will be the first step to a very promising career in the industry.”

Some 89 talented trainees battled it out to be crowned as the best in their chosen trade at the SkillBuild contest.

The competition was organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry.

The finalists took their places after achieving the highest scores at one of the 15 regional heats in April and June.

Categories included bricklaying, cabinet-making, carpentry, drywall systems, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, stonemasonry, roof slating and tiling, and wall and floor tiling.

SkillBuild is part of the WorldSkills UK set of national skills competitions, managed by UK Skills.

Bernadette Parkinson, who is area delivery manager for ConstructionSkills South West, said: “SkillBuild helps to demonstrate how talented and skilled the new generation of construction workers really are, as well as setting the bar for trainees and colleges around the UK.

“Talented apprentices, such as Thomas and Jamie, are hugely beneficial to businesses in the South West as they help to provide a competitive edge and ensure the workforce has the right skills, and business knowledge – putting companies in a strong position for when the upturn arrives.”