SkillBuild 2025–Roof Slating and Tiling Finalists Announced

This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. A total of 33 competitors from 13 colleges and training centres went head-to-head across the six heats in the roof slating and tiling category, which took place between April-July and demonstrated how the competition continues to attract the highest level of roofing talent.  

With the competition reaching new heights, just seven points separated the finalists after the regional heats and just four points now separate the top seven. A total of six colleges will be represented in Milton Keynes for the SkillBuild national final, taking place 19-20 November at Arena MK. 

Congratulations to each of the finalists, and best of luck in November: 

• Brooklyn Smith–Newcastle College 

• Aidan Phee–South Lanarkshire College 

• Samuel Jinks–Leeds College of Building 

• Nolan Law–Newcastle College 

• Charlie Swain–Walsall College 

• Corey Riordan–Exeter College 

• Levente Szasz–Leeds College of Building 

• Mark Knight–Simian Risk 

Ben Rowlands, Technical Manager–Slating and Tiling at NFRC, was in attendance for all but one of this year's regional heats. Speaking on the events, he said “I’ve had the pleasure of attending the regional heats the last few years and this year was honoured to be invited as a judge, and I can say the talent coming through is getting better year on year, which is a credit to the tutors and training providers across the country. 

“It’s fantastic to see six colleges make it to the finals. This speaks volumes about how far the roofing trade has come and how much our sector is committed to training top-quality roofers.” 

Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Finals – it’s truly a great achievement for them. The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Finals and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” 

Bob Coutts, Head Judge for SkillBuild was also in attendance as the regional heats took place. He said, “Very high standards across the heats this year. I’m looking forward to seeing the eight finalists in Milton Keynes in November and wish them all the best of luck.” 

Thanks go to judges Andy Rowlands, Bob Coutts, Dale Yates, and Matt Timby. Additional thanks to NFRC Supplier Members Glidevale Protect, SIG Roofing, and SR Timber for providing materials for each of the events.