SkillBuild 2023 winners announced

THE winners of the SkillBuild National Final 2023 have been announced, after 78 construction trainees from across the UK competed against each other over three days.

SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), brings together learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Following the regional qualifiers, held at various colleges across the country earlier this year, the National Final took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. The event attracted around 1,000 visitors.

Across the three days competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tests knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and adhere to health and safety protocols.

Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, said, “I always look forward to the SkillBuild events and this year’s final at the Marshall Arena has, once again, been a brilliant success! It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations, and I’m delighted we were able to welcome so many members of the public this year, too.

“At a time when the industry is going through a skills shortage, it’s vital that we support this next generation of talent and encourage them to pursue their passions. SkillBuild has the potential to make a huge difference here, transforming an interest or a hobby into a full-time career, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Finally, congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Previous SkillBuild finalist and joinery winner, Harry Scolding, gave an inspiring speech on the second day of the competition. He discussed how he has benefited from the competition in his career.

Harry Scolding said, “SkillBuild has truly changed my life, giving me the opportunities, growth in self-belief, and skillset to enable me to grow my passion, not only in the industry but also with competitions. The whole SkillBuild experience was absolutely fantastic from the start to the end. If you’re given the opportunity to participate in SkillBuild, go for it. Going in with the mindset I’m not good enough and doubting yourself, you’re ultimately setting yourself up to fail before you’ve even begun. You just never know, and you may surprise yourself.”

The winners from SkillBuild are:

Bricklaying

1^st – Joseph Shingler

2^nd – Kyle Blower

3^rd – Archie Kitching

Carpentry

1^st – Osian Hedd James

2^nd – Glyn Paewai

3^rd – George Page

Furniture and Cabinet Making

1^st – Ben Reed

2^nd – Matt Turner

3^rd – Kye Allen

Joinery

1^st – Steffan Thomas

2^nd – Jack Corner

3^rd – Eric Philips

Painting and Decorating

1^st – Jacqui Hawthorne

2^nd – Shelby Fitzakerly

3^rd – Kirsten Jackson

Plastering

1^st – Newton Robinson

2^nd – Jake Moore

3^rd – Josh McBride

Plastering and Drywall Systems

1^st – Shaun McKenna

2^nd – Joshia Buchanan-Buxton

3^rd – Thomas Donnelly

Roof Slating and Tiling

1^st – Jacob Blight

2^nd – Hamish Morgan

3^rd – Aeron Murray

Stonemasonry

1^st – Augustus Gillick

2^nd – Ruaridh Strachan

3^rd – William Samson

Wall and Floor Tiling

1^st – Patryk Niedoba

2^nd – Steven Andrews

3^rd – Marshall Winder