Celebrating Young Talent in Construction at SERC Downpatrick

OHMG was proud to attend the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2025, held at South Eastern Regional College, Downpatrick, where some of the most talented young apprentices from across Northern Ireland showcased their skills across a wide range of trades.

From bricklaying and plastering to joinery, plumbing, electrical installations, and more, the standard of work on display was nothing short of inspiring. It’s a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the next generation of tradespeople.

This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the first time employers were invited to engage directly with students, offering a fantastic opportunity to talk about careers in construction, apprenticeships, and the wide variety of roles available at companies like OHMG.

We thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many enthusiastic students, sharing advice, and hopefully inspiring a few future colleagues along the way.

We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to CITB NI and SERC for hosting such a well-organised and forward-thinking event. The energy and professionalism of everyone involved made it a memorable day for all.

Finally, congratulations to all the competitors who took part — your hard work and skill were evident throughout. Best of luck to tonight’s winners as they move forward to the UK finals!