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 is a series of regional competitions held across the UK, culminating in a National Final competition in November each year.
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.
SkillBuild 2026 Regional Qualifiers
The SkillBuild 2026 Regional Qualifiers are now underway, bringing together apprentices and trainees from across the UK to compete in the industry’s largest skills competition.
SkillBuild 2026 has attracted an incredible response, with over 1,100 competitors from 223 organisations registering to compete.
The first Regional Qualifier takes place at York College on 17 March, with 17 heats running across the UK until 4 June, finishing at Coleg Cambria in Wales.
See who’s leading the competition and keep up to date with the latest results from the SkillBuild 2026 Regional Qualifiers.
How does the competition work?
The Regional Qualifiers run UK-wide, from March to June each year. These one-day events bring together apprentices and trainees who complete a set task relevant to their trade. Once the 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.
SkillBuild Competition Rules (PDF, 552KB) contains more detailed information.
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
New for SkillBuild 2026: Regional Qualifier practice drawings
For the first time, we’ve released the Regional Qualifier project drawings ahead of the competition.
These drawings are available to help competitors practise, plan and understand what will be expected on the day, giving more time to prepare before the Regional Qualifiers begin.
Download the Regional Qualifier drawings
Regional Qualifiers – dates and locations
Skill competitions available in:
- Stonemasonry
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Painting & Decorating
Skill competitions available in:
- Roof Slating & Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Roof Slating & Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Painting & Decorating
Skill competitions available in:
- Drylining
- Plastering
Skill competitions available in:
- Stonemasonry
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Roof Slating & Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Drylining
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Roof Slating & Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Drylining
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Stonemasonry
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Drylining
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Roof Slating & Tiling
- Wall & Floor Tiling
Skill competitions available in:
- Bricklaying
- Site Carpentry
- Bench Joinery
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Roof Slating & Tiling
Contact Us
Email us at skillbuild@citb.co.uk with any other questions or queries you might have.