Construction trainees from across the UK compete to be crowned best in their trade between 21st - 23rd November 2023
3rd November 2023
After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, the top construction trainees from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Final 2023.
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 heats, which took place this summer, the final will see the top eight highest scoring competitors from each category compete.
For the first time, this year’s final will be held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, England on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023. Across the three days, 80 competitors will be tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project will test the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols.
As a leading supplier of dust control equipment, RVT were invited to supply a number of extraction units, including the brand-new Dustex® D4. CITB chose RVT as their supplier, to ensure that competitors and visitors would be properly protected from dangerous dust particles throughout the competition.
Tim Dupont, Director at RVT, commented, “It’s great to be supporting the next generation of skilled construction workers, and it is even more important for us to teach them how to properly protect themselves from occupational health-hazards such as dust. With the correct control equipment, we can support them in building a healthier and greener future.”
The construction industry is currently facing a short-fall in skilled workers, and CITB’s latest report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter common misconceptions of the industry and promote the diverse range of roles available. Members of the public are invited to attend the competition to observe, support, or try their hand at a range of activities! Visitors can test their hand-eye coordination skills at the decorating station, build their own bird box at the woodworking station, or even get involved with virtual reality games and simulators.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s SkillBuild National Final at the Marshall Arena, providing us with the opportunity to invite members of the public to observe the incredible talent coming through to industry. SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative which aims to attract a diverse range of recruits, and with the current skills gap, it places even greater importance on the competition and its ability to promote construction careers to a wider audience.
“SkillBuild not only helps young people to grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. While a challenging experience, if you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is an excellent opportunity. I wish all our National Finalists the best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you later this month!”
In addition to RVT Group, a number of other companies supported the event; 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.
See the full list of finalists on Go Construct, and visit the Eventbrite page to get tickets to attend SkillBuild.
