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 up for grabs. In total, more than 1,100 competitors from 223 organisations entered SkillBuild 2026 from across the UK.
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 1st, 2nd, or 3rd 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.”
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.
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The 2026 Leeds College of Building regional winners are:
Carpentry
1st place: Oliver Harrison
Dry Lining
1st place: James Naylor
2nd place: Ali Dehghani
3rd place: Oliwier Mocarski
Furniture & Cabinet Making
2nd place: Dylan Jones
3rd place: Haitch Rosso
Painting & Decorating
2nd place: Faith Loynes
Plastering
1st place: Spencer Lee
Roof Slating & Tiling
2nd place: Luke Lewis
3rd place: Stephen Anderson
Wall & Floor Tiling
1st place: Ashton Webber
2nd place: Thomas Bewick
3rd place: Ben Cahill
Learn more about SkillBuild or visit LCB for information about training and apprenticeships across a huge range of exciting professions in construction and the built environment.