An apprentice joinery student from North Lindsey College has triumphed at the SkillBuild National Final 2025, a premier construction skills competition organized by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The event took place at MK Arena in Milton Keynes from November 19 to 21, gathering 80 of the UK’s most skilled construction trainees. These competitors qualified for the finals after over 1,000 students participated in regional rounds held at colleges across the country earlier in the year.
Henry Duck, an apprentice joinery student, secured the title of Joinery Champion after an intense three-day competition. Contestants were tasked with completing a complex project within 18 hours, while an expert panel of judges evaluated their performance based on technical skills, time management, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to health and safety protocols.
Reflecting on his victory, Henry stated, “It’s a fairly big achievement, I surprised myself to be honest, I didn’t think I would win. The task was quite tricky, but it was a great experience, and I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from it.” His accomplishment not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the importance of competitions like SkillBuild in showcasing career opportunities in the construction sector.
The construction industry faces a significant challenge, with government statistics indicating that approximately 946,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not engaged in education, employment, or training. Events like SkillBuild serve as a vital bridge, illustrating clear pathways into skilled and rewarding careers.
Neil Frow, Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer at North Lindsey College, expressed his pride in Henry’s achievement. “It’s a huge accomplishment for him and the college, and one that’s fully deserved. During the competition, Henry handled the pressure really well. He stayed focused, worked safely, kept his area organised, and didn’t let the environment affect the quality of his work. That level of professionalism stood out and played a big part in his success.”
This victory is not only a personal milestone for Henry but also a testament to the dedication and training provided at North Lindsey College. Neil added, “He’s a credit to himself, his employer, and the training programme, and I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to do well in architectural joinery.”
The demand for skilled workers in the construction sector remains high. According to CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook, the UK will require over 47,000 additional construction workers annually by 2029. This forecast further emphasizes the promising career prospects available for those entering this field, making achievements like Henry’s even more significant in the context of the industry’s future.
