Plumbers and electricians will compete at the Skill M&E UK finals, being staged at Interbuild 2008 (Sunday 26 – Thursday 30 October at Birmingham’s NEC).
Organised by SummitSkills – the sector skills council for building services engineering – the final heats of SkillPLUMB and SkillELECTRIC UK will be hosted at selected times throughout the full five days of the show.  
Already proven to be some of the trade’s most proficient professionals, the reigning champions from each of the regions (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) will come together to perform a series of practical challenges. The overall winners in both the plumbing and electrical trials will be dubbed the UK number one in their respective trade and could be invited to compete for the title of ‘world’s greatest’ at WorldSkills in 2009.
“Both Interbuild and SummitSkills celebrate competence in construction, so we were keen to leverage the show as the perfect platform from which to stage our UK final,” says Neil Collishaw, head of skills competitions and awards at SummitSkills. “It’s a massive event and I’m pleased that our participants can play such an important part in what is such a significant show for their own trade bodies.”
In another step to embrace new blood in the industry, Interbuild 2008 has opened the last day of the show, Thursday 30 October, to its apprentice or student visitors.
“By having a day dedicated to our next generation of trades’ people we feel we can best cater for both student and exhibitor needs,” says Interbuild Event Director, James Gower. “That way, exhibitors can be geared up with material to help with their studies and will create an environment more conducive for learning. I think it’s the best way forward for all concerned and especially look forward to welcoming the Skill M&E contenders.”