SkillBuild, which is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the biggest and longest-running industry skills competition within the UK and has become a major event for showcasing those who work in construction.

Approximately 700 students competed within ten construction trade categories this year, such as carpentry and bricklaying, during the 17 Regional Qualifiers.

Each competition, which lasted one day, saw participants carry out a task which relates to their trade of choice.

Eight students, who scored the highest in each category, will compete in the National Final at the Arena MK, in Milton Keynes on November 17th-19th, where the ten winners will be crowned as the best of their chosen trade. 

The final, which goes on for three days, will involve participants constructing a project within an 18-hour time frame. A panel consisting of expert judges will assess them on several fronts such as technical ability, time management, problem solving, the ability to work under pressure, and adherence with health and safety requirements.

The annual industry forecast of the CITB, which was released earlier this year, signified that to support the construction industry’s future and to meet national objectives, the sector needs to invest more in people, enhance its strategy behind skills and training, and operate collaboratively within the sector.

Robert Smith, product manager (careers) at CITB, said: “A huge congratulations to all the competitors that have earned their place at the 2026 SkillBuild National Final, it’s a great achievement and a testament to their hard work.

“As an industry, we need to get better at positioning construction as an attractive career option. With the increased demand for construction skills, events like SkillBuild are more important than ever to highlight the industry and wide variety of career choices and our shared role in building a stronger workforce.

“The quality of the participants this year is truly amazing, I am looking forward to the National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck.”

The SkillBuild National Finalists for 2026 are available here.

Tickets for the SkillBuild National Final 2026 are available here.