An apprentice joinery student from North Lindsey College has achieved national recognition by winning the 2025 Joinery category at the SkillBuild National Final, the premier construction skills competition in the UK. This prestigious event took place at the MK Arena in Milton Keynes from November 19 to 21, 2025, showcasing 80 of the UK’s most talented construction trainees.
Competitors from ten different construction trades earned their spots in the final after competing in regional qualifiers, which involved over 1,000 students from colleges across the country earlier this year. Henry Duck, the standout joinery apprentice, was declared the winner following three days of rigorous competition.
The finalists faced a demanding challenge, tasked with completing a complex project within a tight timeframe of 18 hours. An expert panel of judges evaluated their performance based on various criteria, including technical skills, time management, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to health and safety standards.
Reflecting on his success, Henry commented, “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 learned a lot from it.”
Highlighting Opportunities in Construction
SkillBuild plays a crucial role in demonstrating the vast array of career opportunities available within the construction industry. Recent government statistics reveal that approximately 946,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not engaged in education, employment, or training. Competitions like SkillBuild offer clear pathways to skilled and rewarding careers.
Neil Frow, Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer at North Lindsey College, expressed his pride in Henry’s achievement, stating, “As Henry’s tutor, I’m incredibly proud of what he’s achieved in winning a national competition. It’s a huge achievement 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 significant role in his success.”
Frow emphasized that this win reflects Henry’s dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude toward his trade. “He’s a credit to himself, his employer, and the training programme. I have no doubt he’ll continue to do well in architectural joinery.”
Future Workforce Needs in the UK
The demand for new talent in construction is underscored by the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Construction Workforce Outlook. The report forecasts that by 2029, the UK will require more than 47,000 additional construction workers each year. This growing need reinforces the strong career prospects available for those entering the sector, making Henry Duck’s achievement not only a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to the future of construction in the UK.
