EDINBURGH COLLEGE is preparing to host students and apprentices from across Scotland for the SkillBuild 2023 regional heat in the country’s capital.

SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent, as highly skilled roofing apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their trade.

The College’s Granton Campus will host the Scottish Roof Slating and Tiling heats, together with Bricklaying; Carpentry; Joinery; Painting and Decorating; Plastering; Stonemasonry; and Wall and Floor Tiling.

Competitors will be tested on their technical abilities, time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure. However, the competitions also bring many benefits to participants – including being proven to improve technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options.

SkillBuild Heats

Heats are now underway at South Devon College’s roofing department and there are 14 other regional qualifiers taking place across the UK from 27 April through to the end of June.

Following the regional qualifiers, the top eight scoring competitors from each trade category are invited to take part in the UK national final – this year taking place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21, 22 and 23 November 2023.

CITB’s recent Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. It also highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers, despite the current economic uncertainty. Covering 10 different trades, SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter perceptions and promote the diverse range of roles available in the trades.

Gracie Brill, a SkillBuild 2022 finalist from Edinburgh College, said: “I first heard about SkillBuild through someone at my workplace and decided to enter as I thought it sounded like an interesting and fun challenge. For anyone thinking about entering, I’d say go for it! Honestly, I don’t think the outcome matters, it’s just a really fun and different sort of challenge. I totally didn’t think I’d made it through my regional heat but was still so glad I’d participated!”

Tim Balcon, CITB CEO

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I always look forward to the SkillBuild regional heats, as it’s the first glimpse we get into the fantastic variety of young 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 competitors the very best of luck for the heats this year!”

>> Read more about SkillBuild in the news

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