Six talented apprentices and students from the Trafford and Stockport College group have been announced as finalists in the WorldSkills UK competition.
Each student will now represent the group in their respective disciplines at the national finals in November, for which Trafford and Stockport College Group is one of the Greater Manchester hosts.
The event sees 400 talented apprentices and students come together to showcase their skills among peers and have the opportunity to compete as part of the WorldSkills UK team in future global competitions.
Three of those through to the UK final are Foundation Level 1 student Adam Montgomery (Restaurant Services), Beauty Therapy Practitioner student Erin Carpenter and Health and Social Care student Olivia Shore.
The other three students, Nathan Williams, Aidian Renshaw and Amy-Louise Chisnall will compete in the Foundation Skills – Enterprise competition; an opportunity for young people aspiring to become self-employed, or work in a business-related role, to develop work-readiness skills and progress to gain paid employment.
Adam said: “I am looking forward to the next stage of the World Skills Competition as the competition has given me an opportunity to test my skills and showcase what I have learnt in college.
“I would recommend doing a World Skills to my peers and if given the opportunity I will definitely apply for the next World Skills Competition after this one. I have found the competition fun and stimulating.”
Joan Scott, Skills Specialist at the Trafford and Stockport College Group, said: “The WorldSkills competitions provide a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices and students to demonstrate their capabilities and skills.
“This year, the Trafford and Stockport College Group submitted the greatest number of entries into the competition and we are delighted that six of our students have now been selected to represent us on a UK stage.
“They won their places through the delivery of exceptional performances at a regional level and we are fully behind them as they join 400 fellow talented apprentices and students in the final, which takes place 19 to 22 November.
“We are also proud to be one of the Greater Manchester hosts for this year’s event, so luckily some of our finalists will get to compete from familiar surroundings.”
James Scott, Principal/Chief Executive Officer of the Trafford and Stockport College Group, said: “We are delighted to once again be hosting the UK national finals of the World Skills competitions.
“These competitions provide young people with a hugely valuable opportunity to put their skills to the test and experience competing at the very highest level.
“Last year’s competitions saw our students recognised with a Gold, Bronze and a duo of Silver medals, all of which are testament to their hard work, passion and dedication.
“We are proud to be part of this skills excellence network and look forward to welcoming students, employers and partners to our college, for what is set to be another exciting week of national competitions and a celebration of the UK’s inspirational talent.
“The value and role of skills competitions is a key part of raising the profile of technical education and ensuring it is well-embedded across Greater Manchester.
“It is entirely fitting that these national finals are taking place here, hosted by our Colleges, Universities and Employers for what will be a historic week, and a week in which, collectively, we can build on these competitions to inspire the young people of Greater Manchester, and indeed the nation.
This year, the finalists will compete in over 40 skills, including disciplines such as 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, and Landscaping.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s national finalists. We wish them the best of luck in their training as they prepare for the WorldSkills UK Finals.
“We are thrilled to be back in Greater Manchester for our national finals in November and are very grateful for the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and all our host venues.
“We look forward to welcoming competitors and partners from all over the UK to showcase excellence in technical skills and drive forward the development of world-class skills for all young people.”
The competitions will be held at the following venues in Greater Manchester:
• Bolton College
• Manchester College
• Manchester University
• Oldham College
• Rochdale Training
• Tameside College
• Trafford and Stockport College Group
• Wigan & Leigh College
The finalists and medallists will be honoured at Manchester’s prestigious Bridgewater Hall on Friday 22 November.
The Foundation Skill competitions and the accompanying medal ceremony will take place on Friday 22 November, at Manchester College City Campus.
