SOME of the best construction industry will be competing in Durham this summer.

New College Durham has been chosen to host the regional heat of the national competition SkillBuild on June 13 and `14.

The competition is run by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry.

is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices and showcases the industry’s best talent.

Trainees will be put through their paces in their chosen trade, including brick-laying and carpentry, at one of 15 regional heats between April and June.

The highest scoring students will win a place at the UK final in September at Preston College.

Russell Buckley, Regional Delivery Manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills in the North East, said: "We’re delighted to announce this year’s North East regional heat will be hosted by New College Durham.

"It’s a massive undertaking but we are confident that the heat will be run with the efficiency and professionalism that has made the SkillBuild heats such a success in recent years.

"The competition is all about celebrating the brilliance and talent of construction trainees who are the lifeblood and future of our industry.

Ian Gaskill, Head of School of Technology at New College Durham, said "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to host the 2012 NE Regional heats of SkillBuild. New College Durham is committed to promoting skill competitions, and to encourage and recognise excellence.

"This gives us a fantastic opportunity to help showcase the high level of skills of young people, along with the future talent of the construction industry in the NE region."

For more information about SkillBuild and to access an online entry form please go to www.cskills.org/skillbuild.