Learners from across Abingdon & Witney College showcased their talent and technical skills at the inaugural Construction Trade Skills Event 2026, held across three campuses on Wednesday 6th May.
The college-wide competition brought together apprentices and full-time construction learners from Abingdon, Bicester and Witney, challenging them to complete practical tasks based on real workplace scenarios and industry standards.
Competitions took place across three campuses, each focused on a key trade area: Electrical Installation and Design, Surveying & Planning at Abingdon, Plumbing at Witney, and Carpentry at Bicester. With less than five hours to complete their assigned tasks, learners demonstrated their problem-solving ability, technical knowledge and professional approach while working under realistic conditions.
Following the project completion, competitors had the opportunity to meet visiting employers and trade manufacturers while judging took place. The day concluded with presentation ceremonies across all three campuses. Winners and runners-up received trophies, certificates and prizes, with every competitor receiving a certificate and a goodie bag.
The event was supported by a wide range of employers and industry partners, including VitrA, MKM Building Supplies, GLT Electrical Wholesalers, Jim Cousins Trust, Breedon’s, Beard Construction, CITB, CIPHE, Screwfix, and Henstridge Construction; who contributed through judging, and sponsorship of materials and prizes. Their involvement ensured the competition reflected current industry expectations while giving learners valuable opportunities to engage directly with employers.
Alongside the competition, learners and apprentices attended toolbox talks delivered by manufacturers, gaining insight into new products, techniques and employer expectations. Members of the College’s Senior Management Team and the Governing Body attended throughout the day, meeting learners, touring activities and supporting presentation ceremonies across all campuses.
In total, more than 150 staff, employers, governors and partners contributed to the delivery of the event, reflecting a strong collaborative effort across the College and its industry network.
Mark French, Head of Bicester Construction Skills Centre, said:
“The aim of today was to celebrate the next generation of tradespeople and showcase the value of skilled trades, and it has been a truly inspiring day. Events like this give our learners the chance to experience real industry expectations, build confidence and showcase their skills. It’s also a fantastic way to bring together staff, employers and partners to celebrate the talent we have across our construction provision, which is getting bigger and better year on year.”
The event also played an important role in strengthening links between full-time courses and apprenticeships, supporting clearer progression pathways and closer collaboration across teams.
Scott Gray, Vice Principal, Curriculum & Quality, added:
“It gives students that link from being a full-time student to an apprentice, and examples of the types of skills they need to learn and develop.”
Here’s a closer look at the activities and winners from across the three campuses:
Witney – Plumbing
At the Witney campus, learners were challenged to complete a complex copper pipework task involving accurate tube bending, passovers, crank sets and soldering techniques. The competition tested not only technical ability, but also planning, precision, problem solving and safe working practices. Participants were given four hours to complete the task, with judges focusing on the quality and professionalism of their work.
Following detailed judging by industry experts, the apprentice winner was Harry Cooper, with Arthur Lyons named runner-up. In the full-time learner category, Chris Brown and Edward Heaney took joint first place, while Daryl Burcombe was runner-up. Vice Principal Paul Starkey congratulated all participants on their effort, professionalism and commitment throughout the day.
Roger Westall, Curriculum Manager for Construction in Witney, shared:
“It was fantastic to see full-time learners and apprentices working alongside each other and supporting their peers throughout the competition. Some were disappointed not to finish the task, but that’s not what the day was about. It was about challenging themselves, gaining experience and growing in confidence and skill.”
Jerry Whitely, Technical Manager for CIPHE added:
“We should be proud of what we have achieved and how we have inspired our students and staff. It’s expected that apprentices may perform better given they’re employed, but the gap between apprentices and full-time students is small. That’s a real credit to you all.”
Bicester - Carpentry
Carpentry learners were tasked with building an asymmetric shed end using a variety of traditional joints, including mortise and tenon and bridle joints. The learners were provided with materials include technical illustrations, detailed measurement specifications, and had to follow strict safety protocols. Competitors were evaluated using a comprehensive marking scheme to evaluate technical precision accuracy and safety under timed, supervised conditions.
After judging, Joshua Lankford was named apprentice winner, with Mark Norfolk taking runner-up position. In the full-time learner category, Oliver Savage claimed first place, while Oliver Clarke was awarded runner-up.
Abingdon – Electrical
The Electrical competition challenged learners to complete a demanding practical installation designed to test both technical expertise and professional behaviours. Competitors were assessed on their precision, problem solving, ability to work under pressure, and commitment to safe working practices, alongside their physical and mental stamina throughout the task.
The installation included three separate circuits and learners were required to work to extremely tight tolerances, including precise conduit bending and installation measurements. Before any live testing could take place, participants also had to complete and record their own electrical safety checks. Judges assessed the quality, accuracy and functionality of each completed installation.
The winner was announced as Liam Godwin for apprenticeships and the first place full-time learner was Ethan Clark. The runners up were Leo Woodman, Asha Queen, and Kie Hart-Averis. College Principal Jacqui Canton presented the awards, congratulating all participants on their talent, effort and professionalism.
Abingdon – T Level students pitch for new Oxford United Stadium
T Level Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction learners also took part in a separate industry challenge. Delivered in partnership with Beard Construction, learners were tasked with designing Oxford United’s proposed new stadium development near Kidlington.
Students were divided into specialist teams, including Architects and Design Consultants focusing on sustainability and fan experience, Planning and Community Consultants addressing traffic and environmental considerations, and Commercial and Construction Consultants responsible for managing a hypothetical £130 million budget.
Working against the clock, learners had just 60 minutes to develop their proposal, 15 minutes to prepare their presentation and 10 minutes to pitch their ideas to judges.
Projects were assessed on professionalism, creativity, problem solving and how effectively learners considered the needs of local stakeholders. Team JEN were named winners, with Team Bricknutz taking runner-up position.
Following the success of this pilot, the College plans to develop the Trade Skills Event into an annual fixture, expanding to include more curriculum areas and opportunities for employers and industry partners to collaborate through competitions, demonstrations and industry insight activities.
Scott Gray, Vice Principal, Curriculum & Quality, added:
“We’re really fortunate to have employers and sponsors with us, and it’s important that they’re local to the community we serve across Oxfordshire.”
The multi-campus event highlights the dedication and teamwork of staff, employers and partners. Above all, it provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate learner achievement and witness first-hand the skill, enthusiasm and professionalism of the College’s construction students.
