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 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
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.
Competition news and stories
What our students and staff have been up to lately, straight from the college news feed.
Our competitors, doing it
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.
How it works
Talk to your tutor
Have a chat about which competitions are relevant to your area of study.
Register interest
Fill in the form or drop us an email and we’ll match you with the right competition.
Prepare with us
You’ll get dedicated prep time, coaching from your tutors, and everything you need.