Leeds College of Building Students Triumph at National SkillBuild Competition

LEEDS, U.K. - Dec. 3, 2024 - PRLog -- Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winners across ten trades.

Leeds College of Building apprentice Holly Taylor Whitehead took 1^st place in the Wall & Floor Tiling category, with fellow student Ben Gordon achieving 3^rd position. Not only is Holly the first Leeds College of Building entrant to attain top position in the tiling category, but she is also the first female student to enrol on the College Wall & Floor Tiling apprenticeship.

Holly's lecturer said, "As the only female Wall & Floor tiling apprentice, I'm sure Holly is an inspiration to all women who are considering a career in construction and the built environment. She's a fantastic young professional and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her."

Elsewhere at the competition, Leeds College of Building student Alfie Waddington took 2^nd place in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. NFRC Vice President and head judge for the category, Andy Rowlands, stated that in all the years of his involvement, he had "never seen it so close" after all six finalists completed their rigs to an exceptionally high standard.

In Plastering, Leeds College of Building apprentice Wesley Proud also achieved 3^rd place after a hard-fought battle. Across three days, competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tested their knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and manage time.

The National Final at Milton Keynes Marshall Arena in November attracted 1,500 visitors, highlighting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry. The top scoring 75 competitors earned their place at the event following Regional Qualifiers held at various UK colleges, including at Leeds College of Building on 4 June.

Leeds College of Building has an exceptional track record in SkillBuild competitions. Student Newton Robinson achieved 1^st place in Plastering in 2023, and apprentice Zara Dupont received 1st in the Plastering and Drywall Systems category in 2022.

Learn more about courses, training, and apprenticeships on the Leeds College of Building website (https://www.lcb.ac.uk/find-a-course/) or register for the next College open night (https://www.lcb.ac.uk/events/open-event-february/) in March.