SkillBuild 2025 Winners Announced

After a hard-fought three-day competition, this year’s winners were announced at a ceremony on Thursday evening.

NFRC is delighted to congratulate the winners:

• Samuel Jinks (Leeds College of Building)
  Gold Medal
• Levente Szasz (Leeds College of Building)
  Silver Medal
• Mark Knight (SIMIAN)
  Bronze Medal

Eight finalists from six colleges went head-to-head across three days, two of which were open to the public at Arena MK, Milton Keynes.

Under the watchful eye of expert judges, they were tasked with completing a tiled section with arris hips and valley tiles, followed by a slated section with lead ridge and the addition of solar mounting brackets for an additional challenge.

Finalists had a total of 18 hours to complete the task, meaning composure and determination was key. As you'd expect, the final was extremely close with the top three changing order after each round of scoring. The workmanship is measured to the millimetre, and tiny variances end up making the difference in who takes the title home.

Ben Rowlands, Technical Manager–Roof Slating and Tiling at NFRC was in attendance for the competition.

“It’s never easy for the competitors to face each other in the finals. They’re not only up against one another, knowing the talent it takes to get there, but they’re up against the clock and their own nerves.

“Staying motivated, determined, and composed is easy said, but when it’s all eyes on you, the pressure mounts quickly,” said Ben.

Master Alan Dodd of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers presented each winner with a copy of The Design and Installation Guide for Roof Tiling: the perfect reference guide for these young roofers

Alongside the competition, NFRC and supplier member SIG Roofing hosted a stand showcasing career opportunities within roofing. With nearly 1,000 visitors attending the showcase across two days, the stand provided opportunity for visitors to try their hand at shaping a roofing slate.

NFRC is delighted to have played a key role in the event, which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from its supplier members SIG Roofing, SR Timber and Glidevale Protect. Additional thanks goes to Genius Roofing Solutions and Midland Lead for providing materials for the finals.