This past weekend saw the conclusion of the United Kingdom’s annual SkillBuild, a well-regarded construction skills competition similar to SkillsUSA but only fielding challenges in construction-specific trades. Its U.S. equivalent offers hundreds of trade competitions.

With roots dating back to the 1960s, SkillBuild is organized by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the British counterpart to the National Roofing Contractors Association. The NFRB, founded in 1892, is the U.K.'s largest trade association representing the roofing industry.  

THE NFRC hailed the ‘exceptional efforts’ of all the finalists in the 2024 SkillBuild competition's roofing category. Described by British trade magazine Total Contractor as “hard-fought,” the nation’s top eight roof slating and tiling apprentices participated in the SkillBuild National Final 2024 Nov. 20-21. 

Joe Gallagher from Bolton College, located near Manchester, took first place; runner-up, 19-year-old Alfie Waddington, is a student from Leeds College of Building; and third place went to Hamish Morgan from Edinburgh College. NFRC said six finalists completed their rigs, and the standards were “exceptionally high.”

Andy Rowlands, NFRC VP and head judge for the roofing category, said, “In all the years I’ve done it, I’ve never seen it so close.”

SkillBuild UK and SkillsUSA share similar objectives, as each organization is dedicated to promoting and recognizing vocational and technical education excellence. The British version primarily focuses on apprenticeships and traineeships, while SkillsUSA also includes high school and college students in its competitions. Both organizations also collaborate with industry partners to ensure their competitions reflect current industry standards and requirements.

The competition starts with regional qualifiers held at colleges throughout the U.K., where competitors are challenged with practical tasks that test their skills and knowledge. The top regional performers then advance to the national finals, competing for the coveted SkillBuild title in their respective trades.   

SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board, a quasi-governmental organization charged with improving skills and standards within the U.K.’s construction industry. According to the group's website, the CITB engages with policymakers to shape industry regulations, standards, and health and safety.