The SkillBuild 2025 National Final took place at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, on 19th – 20th November 2025, bringing together the UK’s top construction trainees and apprentices to compete across ten skilled trades.
TTA is proud to be a sponsor of SkillBuild along with TTA members – Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL), N&C Nicobond and Schlüter-Systems – and support talented construction trainees and apprentices. Hosting a ‘have a go’ demonstration area, TTA representative David Westwood showed visitors how to install a tile, sharing his insight as an industry veteran, Master Tile Fixer and winner of the Tile Fixer of the Year 2023 TTA Award.
Across the three days competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges within an 18-hour timeframe. The judges assessed the competitors on several aspects – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, skills working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements.
Congratulations to the winner and runners-up of the SkillBuild National Final 2025 for wall and floor tiling!
1st: Sam Durham – ABD Ceramics
2nd: Travis Huntley – Cardiff & Vale College
3rd: Joseph Burgess – Cardiff & Vale College
With CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting a need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, SkillBuild is more important than ever to spotlight the industry and the wide array of roles available within it.
After an incredible 2025 National Final, the countdown to SkillBuild 2026 has already begun! Register to compete in your nearest Regional Qualifier, taking place from March to June 2026 at 17 colleges across the UK. With ten different trades to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
It is important to note that there is no limit to how many competitors each provider can register or age limit, however, as spaces are limited it is recommended to prioritise your top competitors first. Colleges, training providers and private organisations can enter competitors who are either in relevant training/education or who have completed a course within the last 12 months.
Register now for SkillBuild 2026
If you are an apprentice or employ one, to be in with a chance of winning register now for SkillBuild 2026 at www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild/. For the most up-to-date information about the SkillBuild competition, visit the SkillBuild website.