Entries sought for SkillBuild 2025

REGISTRATIONS have opened for SkillBuild 2025, the UK-wide multi-trade skills competition delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The competition sees the country’s top construction trainee talent, skilled learners and apprentices battle it out to be crowned winners of their chosen trade.  

Participants can register to compete in their nearest regional qualifier, taking place in 16 locations across the UK, including Dundee and Angus College and Historical Environment Scotland, Stirling (stonemasonry only).

Tutors and employers can enter on behalf of apprentices and learners too.  

The regional qualifiers run from April to July. The events last for one day and involve participants being asked to complete a set task relevant to their chosen trade. The eight highest-scoring competitors in each specialist skill go through to the SkillBuild National Final.  

With CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting a need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, this year’s competition has been described as more important than ever to spotlight the industry and the roles available within it. 

Richard Bullock, head of careers products at CITB, said, “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity for the UK’s trainee construction talent to showcase their skills, whilst also learning new ones as they immerse themselves in the competition. The feedback from those who participate each year is outstanding, and I strongly encourage anyone who is able to participate to register for this year’s competition. Each year at CITB, we look forward to seeing what the UK’s construction talent has in store for us at SkillBuild.”

Kyle Blower, SkillBuild 2025 bricklaying winner, said, “Winning SkillBuild is an incredible feeling. I’ve always wanted to be a bricklayer. My dad competed in bricklaying competitions when he was younger, winning World Skills in 1997. He inspired me to take up bricklaying and compete in SkillBuild so I’m proud to follow in his footsteps. SkillBuild is massive for me – it’s boosted my confidence, taught me how to work under pressure, manage my time and so much more. Anyone considering entering should give it a go!”

The list of SkillBuild competition categories is as follows: 

·       Bricklaying  

·       Carpentry  

·       Drylining  

·       Furniture and cabinet making  

·       Joinery  

·       Painting and decorating  

·       Plastering  

·       Roof slating and tiling  

·       Stonemasonry  

·       Wall and floor tiling  

Dates and locations for regional qualifiers:  

·       24 April 2025 – City College Plymouth 

·       29 April 2025 – Simian Risk – Warrington (roof slating and tiling only) 

·       1 May 2025 – Trafford and Stockport College 

·       8 May 2025 – Oaklands College 

·       13 May 2025 – Burnley College 

·       20 May 2025 – South Eastern Regional College – Northern Ireland 

·       29 May 2025 – Moulton College 

·       3 June 2025 – Coleg Menai 

·       10 June 2025 – Dundee and Angus College 

·       12 June 2025 – Historical Environment Scotland, Stirling (stonemasonry only) 

·       17 June 2025 – Dudley College of Technology 

·       17 June 2025 – South Devon College (roof slating and tiling only) 

·       19 June 2025 – Preston College 

·       24 June 2025 – Newcastle College 

·       26 June 2025 – York College 

·       1 July 2025 – Leeds College of Building 

Register for SkillBuild at: www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild/