SkillBuild
SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.
As the biggest and longest running construction skills competition, we’re looking for skill and talent that is built to last.
What is SkillBuild?
SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the UK’s largest construction competition for trainees and apprentices. Running for over 40 years, SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across 4 nations, culminating in a National Final competition.
As each level of the competition progresses, competitors will not only be tested on their technical abilities, but on their time management, character and commitment. The competitions can help build confidence, self-esteem and vital life skills.
The SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers
The Regional Qualifiers run UK-wide between April – July each year. These one-day events take place at multiple colleges throughout the UK. Apprentices and trainees who attend complete a set task relevant to their trade within a 6-hour time frame. Over 1,000 learners competed in 2024.
The SkillBuild National Final
Once the Regional Qualifier competitions have finished, the top eight highest scoring competitors in each skill go through to the next round – the SkillBuild National Final.
The Final takes place over a three-day period, with competitors completing a task relevant to their trade. Held in a large arena, the Final is open to the public, allowing spectators and friends and family to watch and cheer on the competitors. The event concludes with a prestigious award ceremony, where the winners are crowned SkillBuild Champions.
The SkillBuild competition categories are:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Drylining
- Furniture and Cabinet Making
- Joinery
- Painting and Decorating
- Plastering
- Roof Slating and Tiling
- Stonemasonry
- Wall and Floor Tiling
Regional Qualifiers – dates and locations
- 24 April 2025 – City College Plymouth
- 8 May 2025 – Oaklands College, St. Albans
- 13 May 2025 – Burnley College
- 15 May 2025 – Stockport and Trafford College
- 20 May 2025 – SERC – Northern Ireland
- 29 May 2025 – Moulton College, Northamptonshire
- 3 June 2025 – Coleg Menai
- 10 June 2025 – Dundee and Angus College
- 12 June 2025 – HES Stirling
- 17 June 2025 – Dudley College of Technology
- 17 June 2025 – Exeter College
- 19 June 2025 – Preston College
- 24 June 2025 – Newcastle College
- 26 June 2025 – York College
- 1 July 2025 – Leeds College of Building
Sponsors and supporters
Take a look at our sponsors and supporters who make SkillBuild possible every year.
Contact Us
Email us at skillbuild@citb.co.uk with any other questions or queries you might have.