SkillBuild 2025: Construction Apprentices Dominate Regional Qualifiers
Over the past two weeks, three North Notts College apprentices celebrated a triple success at the SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers.
Lewis Hodkin claimed the Bricklaying crown, Alfie Waldock topped Carpentry, and Matt Lee took second place in Architectural Joinery. All three were praised for their skill, precision, and professionalism, completing complex tasks under exam conditions with no prior knowledge of the project brief.
Organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is the UK’s largest and longest-running multi-trade construction skills competition. More than 1,000 apprentices and trainees take part in Regional Heats each year, testing their skills through demanding practical tasks completed under strict time limits. Finalists are then selected to compete at nationals, representing the best emerging talent in their trade.
Demonstrating exceptional skill on 26 June at York College, Lewis, an apprentice at The Little Fencing Company, secured first place in bricklaying. He built a complex decorative solid wall and a detached single-panel structure using industry-standard bricks and mortar. His work featured a variety of bonding patterns, precise measurements, and expert finishing. Although Roman and Corey did not place, they showed impressive heart and determination throughout the competition.
During the same event, Alfie Waldock, an apprentice at local construction company Benchmark Joinery, secured first place in Site Joinery. He completed a lean-to roof canopy, incorporating two gallows brackets and hand-planed stopped chamfers to the perimeter of the half-lapped wall plate.
Alfie is set to progress to the National Finals after his impressive win
On Tuesday, 1 July, at Leeds College of Building, National Trust apprentice Matt Lee secured second place in the Architectural Bench Joinery competition. He produced a complex arched frame with a muntin rail, incorporating mortise and tenon and bridle joints, enveloped with stop-chamfered edges around the perimeter.
Matt also has the chance to progress to the National Finals once all results have been collated.
Months of rigorous training and dedicated tutor support paved the way for Lewis, Matt, and Alfie’s success, highlighting the high standards of North Notts College’s construction programmes.
Intensive preparation helped them develop the technical skills, confidence, and professionalism required to excel under pressure.
Praising their commitment and performance, Michael Cox, Construction Curriculum Team Leader at North Notts College, said:
“Lewis, Corey, and Roman have shown real dedication to their trades, and we’re incredibly proud of their achievements. Competitions like SkillBuild give our learners a chance to put their skills to the test and gain valuable experience that will stay with them throughout their careers.”
Richard Drury, Apprenticeships Skills Tutor at North Notts College, added:
“We’re extremely proud of what Alfie and Matt have achieved. Their success reflects the dedication and determination they’ve shown throughout their training, and it’s fantastic to see their joinery skills recognised on a national stage. Achievements like these highlight the strength of our department and the potential of our apprentices.”
SkillBuild competitions provide invaluable experience and open pathways to apprenticeships, employment, and further training opportunities within the construction sector. With the UK requiring over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, SkillBuild plays a crucial role in developing skilled tradespeople and promoting rewarding career pathways.
Following their regional victories, Lewis and Alfie have secured places at the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in Milton Keynes this November. Competitors from across the country will come together to compete for the championship. Keep an eye on our website and socials for updates closer to the time.
Find out more about Construction Courses at North Notts College