For the second year running, our colleges have played host to the WorldSkills UK National Finals, championing technical skills across our region.
With competitions across multiple disciplines taking place at Bolton College, Oldham College, Tameside College, Trafford & Stockport College Group, The Manchester College and Wigan & Leigh College, the events have brought together the country’s top students and apprentices from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
A range of subjects were included within the competitions such as Renewables, Aircraft Maintenance, Electronic Security Systems, Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, Industrial Electronics, Metal Fabricator, IT Support Technician and Network Infrastructure Technician, Digital Media and many many more.
The Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant attended along with members of the Welsh Government, to learn more about the work of WorldSkills UK and the colleges.
It was also an opportunity to meet some Skills Champions including Anastasiya Kovtun who was a WorldSkills UK finalist in 2022 and was selected for Squad UK in 2023.
Lara Rixon, Operations Manager at WorldSkills UK, said “On behalf of the WorldSkills UK team who have been at Tameside College this week, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for hosting the WorldSkills UK finals for the last two years. We know the sheer amount of work, focus, time, energy, and coordination that goes into planning an event like this, and your entire staff have been endlessly helpful and welcoming. We have had so many staff, visitors, Competition Organising Partners, judges, stakeholders, and finalists express how welcomed they have felt, how amazing your facilities are and how well looked after they’ve felt. This feedback is a credit to you, your Heads of Department, and all the branches of your staff. You have ensured that everyone understands and values our mission, and in turn, this has fed into the overall energy of the finals, providing a safe space to inspire and motivate. Finally, to you all – Jackie, Jennie, and Carl. For opening your doors, not once, but twice, and providing a home for our incredible finalists. We are taken aback by the magnitude of what we and our partners have been able to achieve with your generosity and efforts. 2024 has been bigger and better, and we could not have asked for more amiable hosts. You must be so proud of your faculty, students and facilities, and the efforts they put in every day…It’s been a memorable experience for us all.”
Chief Executive Officer at WorldSkills UK, said “On behalf of everyone at WorldSkills UK, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you, for hosting the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals and for your exceptional support in delivering the activity last week. Your generosity in providing your facilities, staff, time, and your commitment to making these events a success have been truly outstanding. Hosting such a significant programme requires effort, flexibility, and teamwork, and your contribution has played a vital role in showcasing the incredible talent of students, apprentices, and young professionals from across the UK. The feedback from competitors, stakeholders, ministers, and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of your organisations in creating an inspiring and welcoming environment for all involved.”
During the week-long event students, schools and visitors were able to see high-class competition exciting and inspiring the next generation about chosen fields and specialisms.
After two fantastic years hosting the competition’s finals, it now moves to Wales for a new collaboration.
