SkillBuild 2026 National Finalists Revealed

The roofing apprentices heading to the 2026 SkillBuild National Finals are now revealed.

After competing among the best of the best at this year’s SkillBuild regional heats, the Roof Slating and Tiling finalists from across the UK will fight for the winning place in November’s competition.

SkillBuild is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK.

Roofing apprentices took part in Regional Qualifier heats. Each competition was one day long, in which participants completed a slating and tiling task.

The top eight highest scorers in the Roof Slating and Tiling category will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 17-19 November, where the winner will be crowned top of the trade.

2026 SkillBuild Finalists

The Roof Slating and Tiling finalists are:

• • John Watson – S. Niven & Sons
  • Calum Mitchell – Exeter Collage
  • Luke Lewis – Leeds College of Building
  • Kieran Lord – Bolton College
  • Aidan Phee – South Lanarkshire College
  • Harley Catchpole – Exeter College
  • Brooklyn Smith – Newcastle College
  • Rudi Powch-Scott – Edinburgh College

The three-day final will see the roofing competitors construct a slating and tiling project within 18 hours. The expert panel of judges will assess them on a number of characteristics, including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements.

Skillbuild 2026 at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, is open to the public on:

• Wednesday 18 November, 09:00-16:00
• Thursday 19 November, 09:00-15:00.

Get Tickets to the 2026 Skillbuild Final here.

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