Skillbuild is delivered by CITB and recognised as the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. It is built up of a series of competitions allowing students across the UK to showcase their skills and possibly be crowned the winner within their chosen trade in the SkillBuild UK National Final!
Each competitor will be marked throughout the day on their technical abilities, time management, character and commitment. With the highest scoring in each specialist skill going through to the three-day National Final event and provided a medal at the closing ceremony with the potential of progressing into the international competition.
North Kent College will be hosting ‘Heat 2’ at the Gravesend campus with a total of 11 students from a mix of Painting & Decorating and Carpentry & Joinery trades.
Michael Crouch, Painting & Decorating Student said, “The benefits of today’s competition has improved my learning in painting and decorating by giving me the confidence to go on and do more competition in the future.”
He continued, “I felt it went very well considering my timescale and how I was able to get everything completed to the standard I wanted it to be, and I will be looking forward to seeing who progresses into the final.”
Karen Wyatt, Head of Curriculum for Construction and Built Environment mentioned, “Skillbuild gives colleges the opportunity to interact and work together by giving learners opportunities to showcase their skills not only within construction.” She continued, “by hosting Skillbuild it allowed us to showcase the outstanding delivery and tutor skills we offer here at the College as well.”
Jackie Ducker, CITB Executive Director – Customer & Product, said: “The Regional Qualifiers are a very exciting time for those working behind the scenes at CITB. They provide a platform for the best of the best in construction technical education, which is an extremely beneficial experience, helping these young people to grow both personally and professionally.
“We feel it’s hugely important that we nurture the talent coming through the heats to ensure that regardless of their placing, they come away feeling confident and inspired to continue a career in construction.”
Lucie Wright, CITB Careers Strategy Manager, said: “I’m really excited to see the fresh talent coming through the regional heats this year. With the current skills gap in construction, it’s so important to encourage these young trainees to give the competition their best shot.
“If you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to sharpen and increase your employability skills. As highly skilled individuals, the competition could have a huge impact on competitors, but it could also inspire other young people considering a career in construction. CITB wishes everyone involved the very best of luck in the process.”
Jonathan Chivers, CITB Director of Product Management, said: “The Regional Qualifiers are a really exciting stage in the SkillBuild competition, as it’s our first glimpse of the huge variety of skills and talent coming through to industry. From carpentry to painting and decorating, and right through to roof slating and tiling, these trainees are showcasing the very best of construction technical education, which can act to inspire many other young people.
“The competition is without a doubt a challenging experience, but CITB is hugely proud of everyone that participates and wishes them all the very best of luck as the heats get underway for this year.”
