A pair of brothers took part in the finals of a national skills competition on behalf of Suffolk New College.
George and Sam Page represented the Suffolk Rural campus during an event called SkillBuild.
The siblings are both apprentices working in the construction industry and qualified after winning a regional heat that took place in Colchester earlier this year.
George came second in the carpentry finals and Sam came third in plumbing.
George – who had previously won the Suffolk Joint Consultative Committee (SJCC) top apprentice in 2022 – enjoyed his experience that took place at the Marshall Arena that is part of the MK Dons football stadium.
The 21-year-old from Harkstead who works for SEH French said: “I won a regional heat in Colchester and progressed to the final eight. Around 200 people were involved in the heats. We had to build a garden seat with a roof over two and a half days. I came third last year and second this year. Technically I’m the second best apprentice carpenter in the country. That doesn’t sound too bad.
“The pressure was big, but I was able to manage it. I won a trophy and a £300.00 B & Q voucher. To get to the final is a highly regarded achievement and I’d say to others, if you get given the opportunity to do this, get involved and enjoy the experience.”
Neil Pryke is a Contracts Manager at SEH French. Neil said: “George joined us over three years ago and he is moving towards a site management role. As an employer I’m extremely proud of him. He has his feet firmly on the ground. With George and his brother competing – his parents must also be very proud.”
Lloyd Ince is a construction lecturer at the college. He went to Milton Keynes to support George and took 16 students along to whet their appetite for future competitions.
Lloyd said: “Students got to see the competitors taking part and the competition helps them develop their skills. George has done incredibly well and excelled.
“He went head-to-head with the top apprentices in the country and came second – it was a brilliant result for him.
“To have two brothers get to the national finals is very unusual – I can’t imagine any other college has ever managed to have two brothers reach that level in two different construction finals.”
George’s brother Sam, 20, from Ipswich, came joint third in the plumbing contest that took place at Oldham College.
The level 3 apprentice who works for Whitwell Services in Hadleigh said: “I competed over two days. The support from the college has been great. I was fairly calm and I had time to think through what I was doing. Three people got a bronze medal. It was incredibly close. I’m now hoping to go forward to a selection phase in Northern Ireland that could see me represent the country in WorldSkills (known as a skills ‘Olympics’). I’d be very excited (to reach that level). That’s the goal. Getting the medal was a big deal.”
Sam – who won a bronze medal and got some tools and a radio. He added: “It’s unique my brother and I were competing at the same time. I’m proud for him and happy it went so well for both of us.”