Time to Shine – SkillBuild 2022 Registration Opens

THE LARGEST and longest-running construction skills competition in the UK returns, as registration opens for SkillBuild 2022.

SkillBuild is delivered by CITB and forms a part of WorldSkills UK, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics.’ As preparations for another year get underway, the roofing competition, organised by CITB, will have eight heats.

Skillbuild 2022 Roofing Heats

The regional qualifiers will be running in eight colleges that offer roofing qualifications UK-wide, from 25 April to 24 June. During the one-day event, competitors will be tested not only on their technical abilities, but on their time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure.

Across WorldSkills as a whole, there are more than 60 competitions available. Included in this are nine Foundation Skills competitions aimed at learners with special educational needs and disabilities, additional learning needs, or who need additional support for learning. Those who excel in the qualifiers will be invited to take part in the national finals, in November 2022.

Usually taking place at Birmingham’s NEC arena, the venue for this year’s Worldskills has not yet been confirmed. Last year, a remote event took place due to the pandemic, that did not include roofing.

Skills Gap

CITB’s recent Rethinking Recruitment report highlights the need to attract more individuals into construction, as well as encourage more employers to consider alternative recruitment methods. The report states that only a third of the research respondents said construction is for someone like them. Covering 11 different trades, SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter perceptions and promote the diverse range of roles available.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “We have a big challenge on our hands with the current skills gap and demand for more workers. It’s clear, now more than ever, we should be nurturing new talent and encouraging those individuals to pursue a career in the construction industry.

“SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative that not only helps young people grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills.”

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