Skill Build 2023 - Winners Announced!

Eight talented slating and tiling apprentices competed for 18 hours in this years SkillBuild final held at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes from 21 to 23 November. The finalist were the highest scorers from five regional heats that took place in colleges across the country earlier in the year. Jacob Blight from South Devon College College took the coveted gold medal. Hamish Morgan, a student at Edinburgh College, was awarded the silver medal, and Aeron Murray, of Leeds College of Building, was awarded bronze. Special thanks go to the judges Andy Rowlands, Bob Coutts, and Matt Timby, and all our sponsors who provided materials for the final - BMI, CUPA PIZARRAS, Hambleside Danelaw, Permavent, and SR Timber. Running alongside the competition final were CPD sessions and ‘a have a go' showcase aimed at engaging and encouraging the next generation of construction workers. Ben Rowlands, Slating & Tiling Manager took the opportunity to give an overview of the revision of BS 8000-6.

The Standard for Workmanship on construction sites - Slating and tiling of roofs and walls Code of practice. Ben also gave an update on solar and counterfeit timber battens. NFRC showcased roofing as a professional career in collaboration with CUPA PIZARRAS & LSTA. CUPA gave children the opportunity to have a go at slate shaping and LSTA encouraged participants to have a go at basic lead bossing techniques using code 5 lead and tools.