Leeds College of Building Achieves Strong Results at SkillBuild 2026

Local students excel in UK’s largest construction skills competition

Students from Leeds College of Building (LCB) delivered a notable performance at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK’s largest construction skills competition for apprentices and trainees. The event, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), was held on 2 June across LCB’s South Bank and North Street campuses.

Competition Overview

SkillBuild 2026 features a series of regional contests across the UK, covering 12 trade specialisms. The competition assesses participants on technical skills, technique, professionalism, character, and their ability to perform under pressure. This year, over 1,100 competitors from 223 organisations took part nationwide.

Leeds College of Building Performance

At the regional heats hosted by LCB, 78 competitors participated, with LCB students securing 13 of the top 27 places available. The college’s entrants achieved first, second, and third places in several trade categories, reflecting a strong showing across multiple disciplines.

2026 Regional Winners from Leeds College of Building

• 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

Next Steps

The results from the regional heats will be reviewed by judges to determine qualification for the national final. The top eight competitors from all regional events will compete at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes from 17 to 19 November 2026.

Previous Achievements

LCB has a history of strong performances in SkillBuild competitions. In 2025, two apprentices from the college secured first and second places in the national Roof Slating & Tiling category. In 2024, four students from LCB earned podium finishes, while in 2023, three students won medals. In 2022, apprentice Zara Dupont achieved first place in Plastering & Drywall.

For more information about courses offered by Leeds College of Building, visit their course directory.