SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

A series of competitions saw the very best compete against each other to be crowned a winner in their chosen trade. Much like the Olympics, at each level of competition progresses, competitors were being tested not only on their technical abilities, but on their time management, character and commitment, and the competitions helped build confidence, self-esteem and vital life skills.

SkillBuild 2021 National Finals

The SkillBuild 2021 National Finals were held at the National Construction College (East) site in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. Competitions took place over the course of three days, from Tuesday 16 November to Thursday 18 November 2021.

Five of the six finalists in the Plastering and Drywall Systems category were from FIS member companies.

George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead says “To have five of the six National SkillBuild finalists from FIS member organisations is testament to the quality of workmanship being achieved in Plastering and Drywall by our members.  All finalists, Liam Watson, Errigal Contracts; Matthew Connolly, Errigal Contracts; Ignas Kurasovas, Errigal Contracts; Tommy Falco, West London College (Employed by K10 and working for BDL Group); Zara Dupont, Leeds College of Building (trainee); Billy Messent, Preston College (working for Fullwood Plastering Services) must all be commended for being the top six Dry Liners in the UK”.

The results of the Plastering & Drywall Systems category, were:

Gold: Ignas Kurasovas – Errigal Contracts

Silver: Liam Watson – Errigal Contracts

Bronze: Matthew Connolly – Errigal Contracts

Highly Commended – Tommy Falco – West London College

You can see the full list of category winners at https://www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild

George Swann added: “Particular recognition goes to Errigal Contracts with Ignas Kurasovas securing the gold medal, Liam Watson being awarded the silver medal and Matthew Connolly getting the bronze medal.  They now have an opportunity to represent the UK at the Euro Skills competition in St Petersburg next year.  Everyone at FIS applaud Errigal Contracts on this outstanding achievement.”

Damien Treanor Co-Owner and Director of Errigal Contracts said: “This is a really important journey for the drywall industry and I am so proud of all our dedicated team who go beyond for all our apprentices and for Errigal.  To achieve top 3 in UK when all these people are from Ireland really puts it up to our industry in the rest of the UK to step up to the blocks and get ready for the years ahead.  This is not a make up award these young people worked on their build for three days under watchful eyes from all.  I am impressed and I feel proud to be part of their journey wherever it takes them”.

To find out more about UK SkillBuild and how to enter please see: https://www.worldskillsuk.org/ There are nine construction categories and those that may be of interest to FIS members are: Carpentry, Furniture and Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plastering and Drywall Systems and Wall and Floor Tiling.  The other two categories are Bricklaying and Stonemasonry.

Looking ahead: SkillBuild 2022
2022 may feel far away, but plans for next year’s SkillBuild competition are already well underway. With a return to face-to-face activities and the potential to progress to international competitions via WorldSkills UK, SkillBuild 2022 is set to be the biggest and best yet.

More information, including details on how to register, will be released in due course.