Coleg Gwent goes for gold at WorldSkills UK

Coleg Gwent students struck gold and received highly commended status at the recent WorldSkills UK LIVE national finals, beating counterparts from colleges across the UK.

Students Lauren Evans and Charlotte Hardy secured gold medals in Beauty Therapy (Hand and Face) and Forensic Science respectively, with learner Stacey Davey recognised as highly commended at the Birmingham awards ceremony on Saturday 17 November.

The girls’ achievements earned Coleg Gwent ninth position in the top 10 league table for the second year running. Coleg Gwent was one of four Welsh colleges to make it into this year’s league table.

Because you are gold

“It’s unbelievable to have won gold! I had to investigate a crime scene and complete laboratory analysis as part of the competition, similar to what I had to do at the national qualifier round. WorldSkills UK was bigger than I expected and the standard was very high but I’m amazed to have picked up a medal!

“There is no doubt in my mind that the reason I was able to achieve first place was because of the encouragement and never ending support given by my course tutor” said Charlotte Hardy, Foundation Degree Analytical and Forensic Science student.

Gold finalist Lauren, who is currently studying her Level 3 NVQ in Beauty Therapy, echoed Charlotte’s sentiment: “I’d definitely recommend entering the WorldSkills UK competition! You learn so much by taking part and it has put beauty into a different perspective for me. By entering, it looks great on your CV too.”

What is World Skills?

WorldSkills UK competitions are open to students and apprentices from all over the UK where employers, colleges and schools can register learners to take part. The competition, which sees students compete across 70 different disciplines including engineering and technology, is held in two stages. First, students are invited to take part in the national qualifiers round, which is held at a regional level. Then, the successful students from the regional qualifiers compete at national level in the live final in Birmingham. 2018 saw a record-breaking 85,000 visitors to the NEC this November.

Wales was again the top region for student registration numbers for the fourth consecutive year, registering 676 competitors (a 19% increase from 2017). Coleg Gwent heavily contributed to this figure, registering just under 100 students for the competition.

“I couldn’t have done it without my tutor’s support”

11 Coleg Gwent students made it through to the national finals, including Level 3 Diploma student Stacey Davey, who is studying Sports Massage and Exercise Referral. Achieving highly commended status, Stacey said, “It’s an honour to be recognised at this competition and it was great fun to take part! To practise the skills you learn as part of your course in a fast paced and challenging competition like this does test your ability but is so rewarding. I couldn’t have done it without my tutor’s, and the college’s, support” Winners will get the chance to be considered to represent the UK at the international WorldSkills competition in 2021.

Read more about Coleg Gwent’s WorldSkills success.