Leeds Roofing Apprentices Excel at SkillBuild 2025 National Final

Two local apprentices achieve top honours in national roofing competition

Two apprentices from Leeds College of Building (LCB) secured first and second places in the Roof Slating & Tiling category at the SkillBuild 2025 national final. The event took place at Arena MK in Milton Keynes on 19 and 20 November, bringing together the UK’s most promising construction trainees.

Competition Overview

SkillBuild is the largest construction skills competition in the UK, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It features regional heats across the country, with the highest-scoring competitors advancing to the national final. This year, the top eight competitors in each trade category competed under timed conditions, completing practical projects assessed by an expert panel of judges.

Leeds College of Building Success

Samuel Jinks and Levente Szasz, both apprentices with Dalton Roofing, achieved gold and silver medals respectively in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. Their success adds to a strong year for the college’s construction students. Earlier in 2025, Samuel Jinks was named Construction Apprentice of the Year at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, while Levente Szasz received the Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year award at the 2024 Excellence in Business Awards.

Statements from LCB Staff

Damien Mason-Harding, Curriculum Manager at LCB, commented on the achievements:

• He highlighted the dedication of the students and the support from their lecturer, David Mallory.
• He acknowledged Dalton Roofing’s role in supporting the apprentices’ training.
• He noted that this success follows another recent national win by LCB students in the Guild of Bricklayers National Final.

Mark Sims, LCB SkillBuild Coordinator, also praised the apprentices and staff:

• He expressed pride in the roofing students’ podium finishes.
• He congratulated other LCB finalists in Painting & Decorating, Plastering, and Wall & Floor Tiling categories for reaching the national finals.
• He emphasised the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by all participants.

LCB’s Track Record at SkillBuild

Leeds College of Building has a history of strong performances at SkillBuild finals. In 2024, four LCB students achieved podium positions across various trade categories, including Wall & Floor Tiling, Roof Slating & Tiling, and Plastering. In 2022, an LCB apprentice won first place in Plastering & Drywall.

The continued success of LCB apprentices at SkillBuild highlights the college’s role in developing skilled tradespeople in the construction sector.