Leeds College of Building achieves record success at regional SkillBuild 2026
The college hosted the recent round of the competition and of the 78 students that took part, LCB students secured 13 of the top 27 spots available.
It is one of the college’s best performances at a regional heat of SkillBuild, which is the UK’s largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices.
Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board, SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills, technique, character, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Students from LCB placed first in carpentry, dry lining, plastering, and wall & floor tiling; second in dry lining, furniture & cabinet making, painting & decorating, roof slating & tiling, and wall & floor tiling; and also came third in dry lining, furniture & cabinet making, roof slating & tiling, and wall & floor tiling.
LCB’s winners will now wait to find out whether they qualify for the national final, with the eight top-ranked students from across the regional heats battling it out at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes from 17–19 November.
Last year, two LCB apprentices were crowned winners of the national final, securing first and second places in the roof slating & tiling category.
Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building SkillBuild coordinator, said: “We are proud that so many of our students took part in SkillBuild this year, with thirteen placing first, second, or third in their respective trades.
“All our entrants demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism, and we were very proud of every one of them. These results are testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our learners and the amazing staff supporting them.”
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