Four students from one of Wales’ top performing colleges are through to the national finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions.
Shane Powell, (hairdressing), Danielle Hall,(personal fitness training), Nathan Parfitt, (3D Game Art) and Andrew Burgess (Mechanical Engineering CAD) will be among 500 students and apprentices competing at the three-day event taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from November 21-23.
The national finals of WorldSkills UK Competitions which cover 70 different skills across industries including digital, technology, engineering and construction are at the heart of WorldSkills UK LIVE – the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeship and careers event, attracting more than 70,000 spectators.
Shane, Danielle, Nathan and Andrew secured their place in the WorldSkills UK finals after excelling in the national qualifiers which took place in the summer – they will now be aiming to win gold, silver or bronze in their chosen skill.
Richard Wheeler, WorldSkills UK co-ordinator for Coleg Gwent said,
“Congratulations to all four students – their determination and hard work has paid off! Not only is it a fantastic achievement by them but it’s also a reflection of the excellent support they received from their tutors.
“This is an amazing journey for these students as it offers them the opportunity to prove their worth – it develops their technical skills and also employability skills such as problem solving, time management and communication and will undoubtedly accelerate their career. It’s great to see Coleg Gwent amongst the best in the UK.”
As part of the national final, students will have to expand on the skills they demonstrated at the national qualifier round and repeat the same challenges. They will be competing for the chance to be number one in their chosen trade and to represent the UK at the next WorldSkills Kazan event in 2021.
Speaking ahead of the national finals, hairdressing lecturer Stephanie Parrott said,
“Shane entered the UK skills competition via a photographic entry where he had to carry out a restyle and colour of his choice and submit his work.
“He was then selected from around 150 -200 entries to take part in one of four regional rounds held in the UK – within this competition Shane had to complete a colour, cut and restyle, dressing a long hair style and a hair up style. He took first place to qualify in the national finals.”
Students will be hoping to emulate last year’s success when Coleg Gwent was placed in the top ten in the medal league table.
Designed by industry experts, the WorldSkills UK Competitions equip apprentices and learners with the world-class skills needed to help UK businesses better compete globally.
Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:
“I wish Coleg Gwent learners the best of luck as they compete at WorldSkills UK LIVE.
“At WorldSkills UK we work to accelerate the development of young people’s skills from national to world-class standards. We’re creating a new generation of high flyers that give UK employers a competitive edge.”
Make your success story and find out more about all the full time, part time, higher education and apprenticeships on offer at Coleg Gwent, or to apply please visit www.coleggwent.ac.uk
