SkillBuild brings together the UK’s top construction trainee talent, skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winners of their chosen trade.

Registrations open on 3 February 2025 for participants to compete in their nearest Regional Qualifier, taking place in 16 locations across the UK. Tutors and employers can enter on behalf of apprentices and learners too.

Regional Qualifiers run UK-wide from April to July each year. The events last one day and bring together apprentices and trainees who complete a set task relevant to their chosen trade. Once the Regional Qualifiers have finished, the marks are collated and the eight highest-scoring competitors in each specialist skill go through to the next round – the SkillBuild National Final.

With CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting a need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, SkillBuild is more important than ever to spotlight the industry and the wide array of 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!”

List of SkillBuild competition categories:

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry
• Drylining
• Furniture and cabinet making
• Joinery
• Painting and decorating
• Plastering
• Roof slating and tiling
• Stonemasonry
• Wall and floor tiling

Regional qualifiers will take place on 10 June at Dundee and Angus College and 12 June 2025 at Historical Environment Scotland, Stirling (stonemasonry only).