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The contest has support from four companies within the Keystone Group: IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, IG Lintels and Keystone Lintels. Each brand will not only be lending their name to the competition, they will provide their industry-leading products to ensure entrants are well equipped to showcase their skills.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring his year’s SkillBuild event. It is a fantastic contest featuring talented apprentices and trainees of all ages. The construction industry is in real need of new, skilled recruits. SkillBuild provides an excellent platform to showcase new construction talent, as well as act as a catalyst to inspire others to take up tools and join the industry,” said Owen Coyle, Divisional CEO, Keystone Group.
Organised by the Construction Industry Training Broad, SkillBuild pits entrants against each other in a contest involving 13 regional qualifying heats. They will test competitors on their technical abilities, time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure. Winners from each qualifier will be invited to take part in the SkillBuild National Finals, in November 2023.
There are ten categories in the contest including bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, plastering and drywall systems, roof slating and tilting, stonemasonry, wall and floor tiling and furniture and cabinet making.
The Keystone Group’s commitment to addressing the building industry skills shortfall following the launch of “Keyskills”, an education initiative providing support to a new generation of bricklayers in UK and Ireland. The initiative, also involving Keystone Group’s IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels and IG Lintels, showcases a wide range of construction methods through free training support and materials.
Coyle also said: “We see it as our duty to help inspire young people and show them that traditional trades offer a career that is fulfilling and rewarding. It is vital that we continually bring generation after generation into the fold for construction; it brings fresh ideas and adds energy to our industry.”
