The University College Isle of Man’s construction skills test competition is being sponsored by the Construction Federation.

The federation’s president, Alan Clague, presented a cheque for £2,000 to the college’s vice principal David Jenkinson who said: ’We are very grateful for this generous donation which will be put towards the cost of materials and prizes.’

The skills test competition aims to raise raise the profile of the island’s construction industry and give UCM students the opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise.

This is the third year the skills test has been held and l members of the public and representatives from the industry are all invited.

The construction community has supported this UCM initiative from the start. Many suppliers have contributed materials and prizes, which the college says has gone a long way to making the Test such a successful annual event.

This year the skills test takes place on Friday, March 16, at the college’s main campus.

Corelli Bentham, programme manager for the construction department, is encouraging people to drop in from 10.30am onwards.

She said: ’Come and see students representing trades in brickwork, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation, horticulture, painting and decorating and plumbing, battle it out to be crowned Skills Test winner in their trade. You will be very welcome.’