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Competitions & Skills

Ready to show the world what you've got?

At Doncaster College we're big on pushing boundaries. Our students go head to head with the best in the country, and they win. From WorldSkills UK to the Inter-College Championships, competitions are your chance to stand out.

2026
Inter-College champions
3
major competitions we enter
Nationals
reached regularly by our students
UK-wide
the biggest skills competitions there are
Why compete

What you get out of competing

Skills that stick

Skills that stickCompetitions push you to apply what you've learned under real pressure. Those skills follow you into your career and make you stand out.

Supercharge your CV

Supercharge your CVEmployers love competition experience. It shows you're motivated, take pride in your craft and can handle pressure.

Build your network

Build your networkYou'll meet students, professionals and industry experts from across the country. Some of the best connections happen at competitions.

Confidence you can feel

Confidence you can feelThere's nothing like completing a challenge under pressure and realising what you're capable of. Every competition makes you more confident.

Better grades, better outcomes

Better grades, better outcomesPreparing for competitions deepens your understanding. Students who compete tend to do better in coursework and exams too.

The big three

The competitions we're part of

We enter students into three major competitions, each giving you the chance to showcase your talent on a massive stage. Areas also run their own subject competitions across the year, listed in the calendar below.

The most prestigious skills competition in the country, bringing together students and apprentices from every corner of the UK. We have a proud history of entering students across construction, engineering, hair, beauty and digital tech.

Compete against the best in the UK

  • Bricklaying to web design
  • Winners can represent the UK abroad
  • Full support and prep time

 

Visit WorldSkills UK Construction SkillBuild

Run by CITB, SkillBuild is the UK’s largest multi-trade construction competition. Plumbing, electrical, joinery, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decorating. Our students regularly get through the regional rounds to national level.

Open to all trade disciplines

  • Regional heats to National Finals
  • Judged by industry professionals
  • Great recognition in your trade

 

Visit SkillBuild College vs college Inter-College

The one that gets everyone fired up. Colleges from across the region battle it out across a huge range of subjects. In 2026, we brought the crown home.

  • Compete against the best in the UK
  • Bricklaying to web design
  • Winners can represent the UK abroad
  • Full support and prep time
  • Open to all trade disciplines
  • Regional heats to National Finals
  • Judged by industry professionals
  • Great recognition in your trade
  • Team and individual categories
  • Against local and regional colleges
  • Huge community feel
  • 2026 champions, defending in 2027
The calendar

What's coming up this year

The big three plus the subject competitions our curriculum areas run, from September through to May. Filter to find yours, then register your interest.

Last day to register your interest for WorldSkills UK. Put your name forward through your tutor or the competitions team.

OctoberSkillBuildNationalYorkshire & Humber Regional Heat

Your regional heat if you’re in a construction trade. Work to a real brief, judged by industry professionals.

NovemberWorldSkills UKNationalNorthern Regional Heats, Sheffield

The first major milestone of the cycle. Top performers progress to the national finals later in the year.

NovemberWorldSkills UKNationalNational Finals, NEC Birmingham

The big one. Three days at the NEC with the very best students from every corner of the UK. Where medals are won.

We won in 2026, now it’s time to defend the title. As reigning champions, we go in with a target on our backs.

AprilSkillBuildNationalNational Finals

The national finals, bringing together the best construction students from across the UK to compete for gold.

An in-college heat testing diagnostics and repair against the clock, with the top students put forward to regional rounds.

NovemberConstructionSubject areaDulux Painter & Decorator of the Year

Painting and decorating students take on a set brief judged to industry standard, with a national title up for grabs.

DecemberDigitalSubject areaWeb Design In-College Heat

Build a site to a live brief in a set time. Winners represent the college at the WorldSkills UK regional round.

JanuaryHair & BeautySubject areaSalon Skills Colour Trophy

Hairdressing and beauty students showcase a creative colour and styling look, judged by industry stylists.

FebruaryFloristrySubject areaYoung Florist of the Year

A timed design challenge around a seasonal theme, testing technique, creativity and presentation.

MarchCateringSubject areaJunior Chef of the Year

Catering students cook a two-course menu to a brief and a deadline, plated for a panel of professional chefs.

MarchTravel & TourismSubject areaStudent Travel Consultant of the Year

Travel students plan and pitch a tailored itinerary for a mystery client, judged on knowledge and customer service.

Recently

Competition news and stories

What our students and staff have been up to lately, straight from the college news feed.

In their words

What our competitors say

Being there made me feel accomplished, and I was genuinely proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone. I’d encourage others to take part too, so they can experience competition for themselves and develop their skills alongside like-minded students.

I highly recommend getting involved with WorldSkills UK. The competitions offer unique challenges that differ from real-world scenarios, allowing you to learn so much more. It not only helps you excel in your industry but also enhances personal development.

Get involved

How it works

1

Talk to your tutor

Have a chat about which competitions are relevant to your area of study.

2

Register interest

Fill in the form or drop us an email and we’ll match you with the right competition.

3

Prepare with us

You’ll get dedicated prep time, coaching from your tutors, and everything you need.

Your chance to stand out starts here

Whether you fancy the buzz of the Inter-College Championships or you’ve set your sights on WorldSkills UK, there’s a competition for you. Take the first step today.

Call 0800 358 7575 or email competitions@don.ac.uk