SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. Regional Qualifiers run UK-wide from April to June each year and showcase some of the region’s most talented learners.
Leeds College of Building is the only specialist general further education construction college in the UK and will welcome dozens of competitors for the one-day regional heats. These heats include Bricklaying and Roof Slating & Tiling (Southbank Campus) and Carpentry, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, Plastering & Drywall systems, and Wall & Floor Tiling (North Street Campus).
Once all Regional Qualifiers finish, results will be uploaded to the leadership board within 48 hours. The top eight scoring competitors in each category across the UK will qualify to compete at the SkillBuild National Final at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from 21-23 November 2023.
The College hosted the Yorkshire Regional Qualifier last year with an incredible eight Leeds College of Building students achieving top places across trades, including three who took 1st place.
Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building Lecturer and Competition Coordinator, said:
“We are delighted to host the SkillBuild West Yorkshire Regional Qualifiers again and see some of our own students representing the College at an exceptional level. It’s a real testament to the work that they and their tutors have been doing, and we foresee a bright future ahead for them.
“The College has a great track record in the competition, including our gold-award-winning student Zara Dupont, and we hope 2023 will be no exception. We look forward to welcoming competitors from across the region to our campus.”
Speaking about the competition last year, Zara said:
“I heard about SkillBuild through my tutor and decided to enter as it can give you bigger opportunities. The experience has been great […] and it’s definitely the competition days that I enjoy most.”
CITB’s recent Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. It also highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers, despite the current economic uncertainty. Covering ten different trades, SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter perceptions and promote the diverse range of roles available.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said:
“I always look forward to the SkillBuild regional heats, as it’s the first glimpse we get into the fantastic variety of young talent coming through to industry. SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative which aims to attract a diverse range of recruits, and with the current skills gap, it places even greater importance on the competition and its ability to promote construction careers to a wider audience.
“SkillBuild not only helps young people to grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. While a challenging experience, if you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is an excellent opportunity. I wish all competitors the very best of luck for the heats this year!”
Sponsors of this year’s CITB SkillBuild include Albion Stone, BAL, Band of Builders, British Gypsum, Institute of Carpenters, Crown Paints, Forterra, The Keystone Group, Nicholls & Clarke, NFRC, Schluter, SPAX, Stabila, Stone Federation, TARMAC, The Tile Association, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and Weber.
To find out more about SkillBuild and the Regional Qualifiers, visit Go Construct.
