From Apprentice To Skillbuild Judge

SkillBuild judge Tibby Singh gives us a glimpse behind the scenes in terms of what this important competition involves, and tells us how his passion for championing young and upcoming talent makes his job all the more worthwhile

Tibby mentoring a participant during the 2015 regional heats SkillBuild – the largest multi-trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices in the UK – has been running for over 45 years. It is run by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to promote the industry to young people and encourages those who are in the trade, and those who want to enter the trade, to strive for excellence. It also highlights to employers why apprentices are such a valuable asset to their businesses.

Trades & colleges

There are over 1,000 entrants to SkillBuild each year from different ages, genders and backgrounds who compete against each other to be crowned the SkillBuild winner of their chosen trade, which includes the following categories:

• Bricklaying

• Cabinet Making

• Carpentry

• Dry Walling Systems

• Joinery

• Painting and Decorating

• Plastering

• Roofing

• Stonemasonry

• Wall and Floor Tiling

The competition comprises of regional heats, which take place from April to June each year, and the entrants are chosen from over a dozen educational establishments across the country. Last year the competitions were held at the following colleges:

• South Devon College

• Vision West Nottinghamshire College

• Stockport College