Four former SkillBuild National Final competitors are preparing to represent the UK at the world’s largest international skills competition, WorldSkills, later this month. They join a total of 28 competitors representing Team UK.
This will mark the 48th WorldSkills Competition. Taking place from September 22-27 in Shanghai, the event brings together around 1,500 young people from over 80 countries. They compete across a range of technical and vocational disciplines.
From SkillBuild to the world stage
The four former SkillBuild finalists for Team UK are:
- Joseph Shingler, Bricklaying, who won the 2023 SkillBuild National Final
- Stanley Mackintosh, Cabinet Making, who won the 2024 SkillBuild Furniture & Cabinet Making
- Shelby Fitzakerly, Painting & Decorating, who received third place in the 2024 SkillBuild National Final
- Jamie Matthews, Joinery, who finished fourth in the 2024 SkillBuild National Final
All four of these competitors, after progressing through SkillBuild, undertook an intensive training programme with WorldSkills UK. This also came with support from Team UK’s official partner, Pearson, ahead of the competition. This training programme has earned them their place on the team and the opportunity to compete against the world’s best young tradespeople in Shanghai.
Developing the next generation of construction talent
SkillBuild is the UK’s largest construction skills competition for apprentices and trainees. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) delivers it annually. The competition gives participants the opportunity to showcase their abilities, develop their confidence, and their talent. Many of the former competitors have gone on to succeed both nationally and internationally, including through the WorldSkills Competition.
At a time when the construction industry is facing significant skills shortages, developing the next generation of skilled workers remains a key priority. CITB’s latest Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts that the industry needs over 41,200 additional workers each year.
Skills competitions like SkillBuild and WorldSkills play a vital role in inspiring new entrants. They highlight the construction career opportunities that are available to them, and to help develop the technical and professional skills needed for the industry.
Robert Smith, Product Manager (Careers) at CITB, said, “We wish Joseph, Stanley, Shelby, and Jamie and the rest of Team UK the best of luck in Shanghai. We look forward to following the competition as they compete against some of the most talented young professionals from across the world.
“Seeing four former SkillBuild finalists represent Team UK on the world stage demonstrates the significance of investing in skills and training and inspiring the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in construction.”
Team UK competitors prepare for Shanghai
Jamie Matthews, Team UK competitor, said, “I’m really looking forward to competing in Shanghai and representing the UK for joinery. I have had an intense 18 months of training. I also experienced EuroSkills which inspired me to push harder and train more to get selected for Shanghai.
“Without competing in SkillBuild I wouldn’t have this opportunity. Competing at the National Final gave me the experience of being in a competitive environment but also teaching me to problem solve quickly in high pressure situations which has become vital for Shanghai. Throughout my SkillBuild journey my joinery skills improved massively. All the competitions and training have really helped me in my day job, improving my overall skills and ability.”
Joseph Shingler, Team UK competitor, said, “I went down to my first competition and just thought I’d give it a go. A couple of months later I found out I’d made it through to the finals. I then went on and won Gold which was unbelievable. It’s opened opportunities I never expected.”
“Walking out in the opening ceremony, representing your country in something you’ve worked so hard for, is going to be incredible. I can’t wait to give it everything and hopefully bring a medal back for Team UK.”
Shelby Fitzakerly, Team UK Competitor, said, “I am extremely excited to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. I have been training for the last 18 months with my training manager, Mike Swan. For a week every month, I travel up to Scotland for intensive training. I have also been to three international pressure tests in Denmark EuroSkills 2025, Hungary and Taiwan as part of my training. I also spend my weekends practicing myself at home the things I have learnt in training.
“SkillBuild has played a huge part in where I am today. I started entering the SkillBuild competitions when I was in college which is how I was selected to be a part of Team UK so without SkillBuild, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Stanley Mackintosh, Team UK Competitor, said, “When I was given my first project to lead at work, I treated it like a WorldSkills competition brief. I applied the same planning, organisation and time management techniques I’d learnt through training. By working more efficiently, I was able to cut around 100 hours from the project’s completion time.
“I’ve been encouraging the younger apprentices at my company to get involved. No matter how far you go in the process, you learn so much and that experience stays with you.”
