Record Success For LCB At UK's Largest Construction Skills Competition

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19 June 2026 | Updated 18 June 2026

Leeds College of Building (LCB) students delivered one of the college's strongest-ever performances at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK's largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices. 

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills, technique, character, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure.

LCB hosted one of the regional heats at its South Bank and North Street Campuses on 2 June. Of the 78 competitors, LCB students took 13 of the top 27 spots. In total, more than 1,100 competitors from 223 organisations entered SkillBuild 2026 from across the UK.

LCB’s winners now await the judges' decision on qualification for the national final. The eight top-ranked competitors from across all the regional heats will be selected to battle it out at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes from 17–19 November.

The college has a fantastic track record in SkillBuild competitions. Last year, two LCB apprentices were crowned winners of the national final, securing first and second places in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. In 2024, four LCB students took podium positions, with three students winning medals in 2023. In 2022 apprentice Zara Dupont came first in Plastering & Drywall.

Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building SkillBuild Coordinator, said: “We are so proud that so many of our students took part in SkillBuild this year, with thirteen placing 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd in their respective trades. All our entrants demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism, and we were very proud of every one of them. These results are testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our learners and the amazing staff supporting them.”

Congratulations to all the 2026 Leeds College of Building regional winners:

Carpentry
1^st place: Oliver Harrison 

Dry Lining
1^st place: James Naylor 
2^nd place: Ali Dehghani 
3^rd place: Oliwier Mocarski 

Furniture & Cabinet Making
2^nd place: Dylan Jones 
3^rd place: Haitch Rosso 

Painting & Decorating
2^nd place: Faith Loynes 

Plastering
1^st place: Spencer Lee 

Roof Slating & Tiling
2^nd place: Luke Lewis 
3^rd place: Stephen Anderson 

Wall & Floor Tiling
1^st place: Ashton Webber 
2^nd place: Thomas Bewick 
3^rd place: Ben Cahill  

Picture: SkillBuild 2026 participants competing in the Regional Brickwork Heat.

Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 19 June 2026

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