Competitions & Skills

What you get out of competing

Competitions aren't just about winning a trophy — they change how you think, work, and grow. Here's why getting involved is one of the best things you can do at college.

Real-world skills that stick

Competitions push you to apply what you've learned in high-pressure, real-world situations. The skills you build? They'll follow you into your career and make you stand out from the crowd.

Supercharge your CV

Employers love to see competition experience. It tells them straight away that you're motivated, you take pride in your craft, and you can handle pressure. It's the kind of thing that gets you noticed.

Confidence you can feel

There's nothing quite like completing a challenge under pressure and realising what you're capable of. Whether you place or not, every competition makes you more confident in your abilities.

Build your network

You'll meet students, professionals, and industry experts from across the country. Some of the most valuable connections you'll ever make happen at competitions — people who can open doors for your future.

Better grades, better outcomes

Preparing for competitions deepens your understanding of your subject. Students who compete regularly tend to perform better in their coursework and exams — it's not a coincidence.

Stand out at interviews

Competition experience gives you incredible stories to tell at university interviews or job applications. It shows initiative, commitment, and drive — exactly what every employer and admissions tutor wants to hear.

WorldSkills UK

WorldSkills UK — The UK's Biggest Skills Competition

WorldSkills UK is the most prestigious skills competition in the country, bringing together students and apprentices from every corner of the UK. Doncaster College has a proud history of entering students across a huge range of disciplines — from construction and engineering to hair, beauty, and digital tech.

Compete against the best students in the UK
Disciplines ranging from bricklaying to web design
Winners can go on to represent the UK internationally
Full college support and dedicated preparation time

Check it out

SkillBuild

SkillBuild - Where Construction Talent Shines

Run by CITB, SkillBuild is the UK’s largest multi-trade construction competition. If you’re studying anything in the built environment — plumbing, electrical, joinery, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decorating — this is your moment to prove you’ve got what it takes. Doncaster College students regularly make it through regional rounds to compete at national level.

Open to all construction and trade disciplines
Regional heats → National Finals format
Judged by industry professionals and top employers
Brilliant for gaining recognition in your trade

Check it out

Inter-College Championships

Inter-College Championships — College vs College

This is the one that gets everyone fired up. The Inter-College Championships brings together colleges from across the region to battle it out across a huge range of subjects and skills. In 2026, we brought the crown home — and we’re not done yet. There’s team spirit, bragging rights, and real career-boosting recognition up for grabs.