24 March 2026
On 20 March, East Surrey College welcomed fellow Surrey FE Colleges Brooklands, NESCOT and Activate Learning for the highly anticipated annual Surrey FE Construction Skills Competition.
Each year, students across the four Surrey FE colleges come together to compete in a variety of construction-based challenges that test the skills and abilities they have honed during their time at college. This year, East Surrey College was thrilled to host the Construction Skills competition.
The eventful day featured Bricklaying, Motor Vehicle, Electrical Installation, Carpentry and Plumbing competitions which were judged by a panel of expert tutors across the four colleges. Students had to work under pressure to complete either as a group or individually to complete industry standard tasks or make a product from scratch.
Painting and Decorating students were tasked with recreating the Surrey FE logo, which required a combination of meticulous planning and attention to detail. Meanwhile, Motor Vehicle competitors oversaw vehicle maintenance and worked together in teams to uphold industry protocols and standards.
The Bricklaying competition saw students assembling a brick wall under strict time constraints, testing their adaptability and ability to work under pressure. Similarly, the Electrical Installation students were working against the clock using equipment to bend pipes confidently.
In Carpentry, the students were given instructions and blueprints to follow, eventually creating a wooden box that demonstrated their joinery skills.
The event emphasised the high standard in the future construction workforce and the dedication of staff across the Further Education sector. With the morning sessions over, there was a buzz in the air as students gathered for a delicious lunch courtesy of Dovetail & Slate. The four colleges were able to meet new people, share experiences and reflect on the exciting day so far.
During the afternoon sessions, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Rich Michalowski, was invited to tour the college and watch some of the competitions unfold. The Mayor was thrilled to present the awards to each category winner, having seen their hard work and skill first-hand during his tour.
Tilgear, DH Painting & Decorating and NCON Group kindly supplied the category winners with their prizes. Prizes included industry-approved equipment such as saws and power drills, all of which are invaluable to those starting out in their careers. These tools will allow them to make the most of their studies and continue to progress their skills.
Congratulations to the following winners:
- Kayvan Foroughi, East Surrey College – Plumbing Level 2
- Rhys Parker, East Surrey College – Electrical Installation Level 2
- Maisie Bridges, East Surrey College – Painting and Decorating Level 2
- Jaden Miles, Brooklands Technical College – Carpentry Level 1
- Max Wishort, NESCOT – Carpentry Level 2
- Michael Huntley, Arthur Mills, Callum Johnstone. Kamel Mahmood, East Surrey College – Motor Vehicle Level 1
- Jack Devulder – East Surrey College – Bricklaying Level 1
- Daniel Upton, East Surrey College – Bricklaying Level 2
Lindsay Pamphilon, CEO of East Surrey College, reflected on the fantastic event: “The standard of our students’ work and behaviour was outstanding, and the number of prizes they achieved is a direct reflection of the dedication, expertise, and encouragement given to them every day.”
