Stonemasonry Modern Apprentice (MA) Ross Cowie has chiselled past his challengers to reach the final of the UK’s SkillBuild of the Year competition.
He has been chosen along with seven other talented competitors who were judged the nation’s most promising industry apprentices, after competing against hundreds of entrants in tough individual heats held at colleges across the country earlier this year.
Now Ross (25) from Kincardine – a third year MA with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) who attends FVC’s Stirling Campus for training in the state-of-the-art stonemasonry workshops – will compete at the prestigious Skills Show, at Birmingham’s NEC from November 16-18, with a £1,000 first prize at stake.
The contest, in association with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the longest running showcase of talent for up-and-coming painters and decorators and this year celebrates its 38th anniversary.
Ross, said: “I am surprised to have made it to the final, but I have worked hard for it and it feels pretty good. I am looking forward to it and feel it will be a great experience.”
Charles Jones FVC’s Training Manager, Conservation Centre Forth Valley, said: “Very happy for Ross to have reached the Finals, while he is surprised, I am not as he has a talent and skill that deserves this recognition.”
The SkillBuild competition has been running for more than 45 years. The competition sees the very best in construction talent compete against each other to be crowned the SkillBuild winner in their chosen craft occupation.