Winners of SkillBuild construction ‘skills Olympics’ announced

The winners of the SkillBuild National Final 2023 have been announced, after 78 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days.

SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Final took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21 – 23 November. The event attracted around 1,000 visitors, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.

Across the three days competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tests the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I always look forward to the SkillBuild events and this year’s final at the Marshall Arena has, once again, been a brilliant success! It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations, and I’m delighted we were able to welcome so many members of the public this year, too.

“At a time when the industry is going through a skills shortage, it’s vital that we support this next generation of talent and encourage them to pursue their passions. SkillBuild has the potential to make a huge difference here, transforming an interest or a hobby into a full-time career, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Finally, congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Previous SkillBuild National Finalist and joinery winner, Harry Scolding, gave an inspiring speech on the second day of the competition. He discussed his competition journey and how he has benefited from the competition in his career.

Harry Scolding, said: “SkillBuild has truly changed my life, giving me the opportunities, growth in self-belief, and skillset to enable me to grow my passion, not only in the industry but also with competitions. The whole SkillBuild experience was absolutely fantastic from the start to the end. If you’re given the opportunity to participate in SkillBuild, go for it. Going in with the mindset I’m not good enough and doubting yourself, you’re ultimately setting yourself up to fail before you’ve even begun. You just never know, and you may surprise yourself.

“Without this event, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m now training with the opportunity to represent my country on an international stage, to present the joinery skillset of the UK to the world. Alongside this, I’m also working on growing my business, implementing the skillsets I’m learning from the process into the workplace.”

The winners from SkillBuild are:

CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include:

British Gypsum, Crown Paints, BAL Adhesives, NFRC, TARMAC, SPAX, Schluter, Weber, The Tile Association, Nicobond, Stabila, The Keystone Group, Forterra, tesa, Tilgear, Permavent, SR Timber, BMI Redland, Stone Restoration Services, Midland Lead, Hambleside Danelaw, NSITG, Rollins Group, Albion Stone, and Felder Group.