Bathgate's Matthew aims to nail Building Idol

Oct 9 2008 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

A TALENTED construction apprentice from Bathgate is representing Scotland in the British final of the industry’s biggest skills competition, SkillBuild.

Matthew Campbell, a building apprentice with West Lothian College, who is employed by West Lothian Council, will be attending Leeds College of Building to compete in Britain’s Building Idol.

Matthew will be competing to win the carpentry section, one of eleven trades that form the SkillBuild competition.

If he wins, Matthew could have the chance to represent the UK on a global level at WorldSkills – the Skills Olympics – which takes place every two years.

Matthew was a winner in the Scottish final of the competition, which took place at Dumfries and Galloway College in May.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in SkillBuild. I’ve been practising my skills at West Lothian College in preparation for the final competition and I’m really looking forward to the challenges the final stages of the competition bring.

“SkillBuild really gives me the chance to demonstrate my capabilities and is a great addition to my CV.

“I’m proud to be representing Scotland and hopefully I will be able to take home the title.”