Chichester builder sets his sights on World Skills final

A young man from Chichester could be on his way to Abu Dhabi to compete in one of the fiercest talent competitions in the world.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Nov 2015, 13:00 BST

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Henri Couch from ChichesterHenri Couch from Chichester
Henri Couch from Chichester

Henri Couch, who turns 20 this Saturday, has made it through to the final of the SkillBuild 2015 national competition.

Alongside working for a building firm, Henri is also on a bricklaying apprenticeship at Chichester College.

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He says his success in the tough competition is all down to his supportive and encouraging lecturers at the college.

“I really need to thank all of them,” said Henri.

“All the tutors at the college are really helpful.

“I now have to go through a week of training and tests and if I’m successful, I can go to the World Skills final in Abu Dhabi in 2017, which would be amazing.”

Henri’s proud mum Jayne said her son had been ‘written off’ at school but his bricklaying talent was picked up by his college tutors, who saw potential in him.

Henri excelled in his trade category at the regional heats.

The national final at the Birmingham NEC last week saw more than 70 young construction trainees, selected across 13 regional heats, battle it out to be named the best in their chosen trade.

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Selections were also made for the UK’s squad for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Members of the squad, including Henri, will now participate in a training programme before being whittled down to the chosen UK team for the 2017 final.

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