NFRC highlights the exceptional efforts of all finalists in 2024’s SkillBuild competition
After a hard-fought final, Joe Gallagher from Bolton College took first place. Close behind in second was 19-year-old Alfie Waddington from Leeds College of Building, and in third was Hamish Morgan from Edinburgh College. All six of the finalists managed to complete their rigs, and the standards were exceptionally high.
Speaking on this year’s competition, NFRC Vice President and Head Judge for the roofing category Andy Rowlands said, “In all the years I’ve done it, I’ve never seen it so close”. NFRC is grateful to Andy Rowlands, Matt Timby, and Bob Coutts who did a remarkable job selecting the finalists and managing the competition.
Speaking directly after finishing the competition, Joe Gallagher said, “I’m stoked that I finished and everyone else finished”. He sees SkillBuild as a “great tool for employers to motivate their lads to be better”.
NFRC President Colin McCorquodale attended the event, congratulating all finalists and presenting them with certificates celebrating their efforts and leadership in their field. Mr McCorquodale said, “Events like SkillBuild are a fantastic way of showcasing our industry and what’s involved in roofing and many other trades”. He was pleased to see so many school-age children at the event, “getting a real sense of what’s involved in the trades”. Mr McCorquodale thanked the NFRC Supplier Members who supported the event by providing materials for the competition.
NFRC is proud to have sponsored the roofing category at SkillBuild and is very grateful to Marley, SIG Roofing, Hambleside & Danelaw, and Permavent for their support. Further support from SIG Roofing and the Lead Sheet Training Academy to run the skills showcase is also greatly appreciated.
“SkillBuild helps build attraction to the industry and encourage the workers of the future,” Mr McCorquodale said. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and is the largest and longest-running multi-trade skills competition. It brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winners of their chosen trade.
NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s largest trade association for the roofing industry with over 1200 Members, representing the entire roofing supply chain from contractors to merchants to manufacturers.
