Best results ever in WorldSkills UK

On Friday afternoon, we celebrated our best results ever in the WorldSkills UK finals. Not only did we climb into the top three in the UK for both mainstream and foundation competitions, but we’re also now the best performing college in Wales!

Competing against the most skilled students in the UK, our learners participated in vocational and technical competitions around the country, representing Coleg Gwent and Team Wales in the Oscars of skills-based competitions. After training our learners to competition standards, our expert tutors prepared them for the pressured environment of the finals. Competing in specialist areas against 217 young people, 19 Coleg Gwent students took their skills to national stages across the UK, demonstrating their talent, ability and passion for their subjects during the finals.

 
The eagerly awaited results were announced in a special broadcast from Steph McGovern’s Packed Lunch studio on Friday afternoon, watched by our competitors, their families, friends and tutors in a watch party at the City of Newport Campus. Skills Competition Manager, Rich Wheeler, said:

“I’m so pleased for all our Coleg Gwent learners that have taken part in the World Skills UK national final, to get this far is such an amazing achievement and is a testament to their skill. I was keeping my fingers crossed for a few medals, but they’re all winners in my eyes by making it to the national finals. The skills and attributes our students learn by competing in these competitions will be with them for their lifetime.”

With 63 different award categories, the competitions cover the whole array of vocational skills offered at further education colleges. During the finals, restaurant service learners laid creative, bewitching and magical Harry Potter themed tables, while automotive learners sprayed car bonnets to perfection, and makeup students created impressive and theatrical looks. The competitions showcase skills that are essential to many careers, inspiring learners to be creative and think outside the box.

By competing in WorldSkills UK, our students are helping to lift the national standard of skills education, while building their own confidence and competence. It has been an opportunity for them to perfect their skills, glean knowledge from experts, gain valuable experience for their CVs, and network with students around the country.

Coleg Gwent’s WorldSkills UK champions

We’re extremely proud of all the learners who made it through to the finals of WorldSkills UK, and congratulations to our 11 skills champions who scooped gold, silver, bronze and highly commended medals. Go team Coleg Gwent!

Gold:

• Ryan Williams – 3D Digital Game Art
• Chloe Vicary – Creative Media Make Up
• Sam Smith – Foundation Skills: IT Software Solutions for Business
• Ceri Duke – Hairdressing

“It feels unbelievable to win Gold! I couldn’t even imagine it. But I loved the extra training I’ve had, and I felt well-prepared going into the competition because of it.” – Ceri Duke

Silver:

• Niah Lewis – 3D Digital Game Art
• Kelsie Evans – Commercial Make-Up

“It feels pretty good to be a winner and WorldSkills UK has definitely been a different experience. I’ve enjoyed the whole experience.” – Niah Lewis

Bronze:

• Dylan Taylor – Commercial Make-Up
• Sacha Ellis-Stych – Foundation Skills: IT Software Solutions for Business
• Kenzie Randle – Foundation Skills: Motor Vehicle
• Ethan Thomas – Foundation Skills: Restaurant Service

“It’s been great meeting people, going to new places and having the opportunity to take part in WorldSkills. I never expected to get a medal, so it was quite a surprise and it’s great!” – Sacha Ellis-Stych

Highly commended:

• Eleanor Styles – Creative Media Make Up

The next skills competition taking place is Skills Competition Wales, which is now open for entries with a few days left to register. Get ahead in your career with vocational training at the best performing college in Wales – explore our courses now.