A FORMER Craven College student has reached the final of the country’s largest construction skills competition.

Plasterer, David Scott, who was at the college last year, qualified for the SkillBuild national final following success at a regional event in May, when he took first place.

His score was amongst the highest in the country and enough to secure him a spot on the final, due to be held at The Skills Show at Birmingham NEC in November.

David, 34, from Keighley, said: “Reaching the final is a fantastic feeling. To be recognized as one of the best in my trade is an honour and something I am very proud of."

And, he paid tribute to his tutor, Steve Syers, who had helped him in the run to the regional contest and who had invited him back into the college to practice his skills.

"His advice and guidance means a lot and without him and the college as a whole, I wouldn’t be where I am today," added David.

Plastering tutor, Steve, said: “I was delighted when I found out David had reached the final. He really did put a lot of hard work into his preparation and that has certainly paid off. For him to go on and win the whole thing would mean a lot to the both of us, and the college, although we are extremely proud of him no matter what the outcome.”

SkillBuild is the largest multi-skilled construction competition in the country covering ten craft occupations including, wall and floor tiling, bricklaying and plastering. The competition has been running for 45 years and sees the very best in construction talent compete against each other to be crowned the SkillBuild winner in their chosen trade.