Talented Young Slaters and Tilers Tested as 2025 SkillBuild Heats Commence

THE NATION’S biggest trade and crafts skills competition for young people returns, and the SkillBuild 2025 regional heats are off to a promising start.

NFRC is once again leading the roofing element of the 2025 competition.

Seven competitors will show off their skills in the first regional heat, held at SIMIAN Risk on 29 April.

Over 40 others are lining up to tackle the challenge in the succeeding heats:

• 10 June, Dundee and Angus College, Arbroath
• 17 June, Exeter college, Exeter
• 19 June, Preston College, Fulwood
• 24 June, Newcastle College, Newcastle
• 1 July, Leeds College of Building, Leeds

Three sponsors, SIG Roofing, Glidevale Protect, and SR Timber, have kindly donated the materials for each of the heats. Their generous donations ensure competitors have the best opportunity and all the materials they need to complete the task.

2025 SkillBuild Heats

Each heat will be held under the expert eye of the judging team, which is made up of three experienced roofers—Bob Coutts, Andy Rowlands, and Matt Timby—who will be looking for quality craftsmanship, accuracy, technical abilities, time management, problem-solving, and skills working under pressure.

Eight finalists will be chosen to compete nationally in the finals, which will be held in November and attract eager crowds to watch the competition unfold.

Ben Rowlands, NFRC Slating, Tiling, and Training Technical Manager, said: “SkillBuild is a competition that encourages individuals to achieve their best potential in their trade. It’s a great tool for employers and colleges to put their best talent forward and gain recognition for their skills.

“NFRC is proud to continue its longstanding support of SkillBuild, and everyone extends their gratitude to the sponsors who have generously contributed to the regional heats.

“We wish every competitor the best of luck in securing their place in the finals.”

Supporting Roofing Professionals

John Mellor, Head of Marketing at Glidevale Protect, added: “As a business committed to supporting roofing professionals at every stage of their careers, we’re delighted to be involved in the SkillBuild competition.

“Encouraging young talent and helping to develop skills in roofing is vital to the future of the industry and by providing our Protect VP400 pitched roofing underlay, we’re ensuring that competitors get hands-on experience with high-quality materials that meet the demands of real-world roofing projects.”

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