The multi-trade skills competition aims to showcase construction and the array of roles available in the industry
The competition sees trainees, skilled learners and apprentices battle it out to be crowned winners of their chosen trade.
Tutors and employers can enter on behalf of apprentices and learners.
Participants compete in their nearest regional qualifier, taking place in 16 locations across the UK. Regional qualifiers run from April to July each year (see below for details).
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The eight competitors with the highest scores in each specialist skill then progress to the next round – the SkillBuild national final.
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, who participated in SkillBuild 2024, said winning the bricklaying competition was an “incredible feeling”.
He added: “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.”
SkillBuild competition categories:
- 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
Find more information and register for SkillBuild here.
