When the deadline for entries for SkillBuild 2010 passed, the record achievement for competitor numbers set in 2009 was well and truly smashed.

In fact, over the last two years, the number of competitors taking part has steadily increased. In 2008, just over 1,000 competitors were entered. In 2009 this rose to over 1,200. SkillBuild 2010 has attracted 1,532 trainees eager to show they are the best in the country at their craft.

More colleges than ever before are getting involved too. SkillBuild 2010 has attracted competitors from more than 180 colleges – that’s almost 30 per cent more than the number of colleges entering competitors in 2009.

More colleges and more competitors means skills levels are likely to be even higher this year – great news for those selected to compete for the GB team in WorldSkills, taking place at Excel in London in October 2011.