PREPARATIONS are underway for the regional heats of SkillBuild 2025, the UK’s largest trade and crafts skills competition for young people.
NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is continuing to support the event by leading the roofing element of the competition.
Seven competitors will participate in the first regional heat, held at Simian Risk, with over 40 others waiting to tackle the challenge in the following heats at Dundee and Angus College, Exeter College, Preston College, Newcastle College, and Leeds College of Building.
Three sponsors – SIG Roofing, Glidevale Protect, and SR Timber – have donated materials for each of the heats.
Each heat will be held under the expert eye of the judging team, comprised of three experienced roofers – Bob Coutts, Andy Rowlands, and Matt Timby – who will be looking for quality craftsmanship, accuracy, technical abilities, time management, problem-solving, and skills working under pressure.
Eight finalists will be chosen to compete nationally in the finals, which will be held in November.
Ben Rowlands, NFRC slating, tiling, and training technical manager, said, “SkillBuild is a competition that encourages individuals to achieve their best potential in their trade. It’s a great tool for employers and colleges to put their best talent forward and gain recognition for their skills.
“NFRC is proud to continue its longstanding support of SkillBuild, and everyone extends their gratitude to the sponsors who have generously contributed to the regional heats. We wish every competitor the best of luck in securing their place in the finals.”
John Mellor, head of marketing at Glidevale Protect, added, “As a business committed to supporting roofing professionals at every stage of their careers, we’re delighted to be involved in the SkillBuild competition. Encouraging young talent and helping to develop skills in roofing is vital to the future of the industry and by providing our Protect VP400 pitched roofing underlay, we’re ensuring that competitors get hands-on experience with high-quality materials that meet the demands of real-world roofing projects.”
The first heats kick off at Simian Risk in Warrington on April 29, and the rest are as follows.
-
10 June, Dundee and Angus College, Arbroath
-
17 June, Exeter college, Exeter
-
19 June, Preston College, Fulwood
-
24 June, Newcastle College, Newcastle
-
1 July, Leeds College of Building, Leeds
