WorldSkills UK Wales

A Stroke of Success for Coleg Gwent Student Jess

This is Jess Brown, a 17 year old from Griffithstown, who is studying painting and decorating at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool campus. Recently, she battled it out against other trainees at a  skillscompetition Wales heat, and took home the gold medal!

Although she was the only female taking part, Jess didn’t let that deter her and was over the moon to place first in the competition. We asked Jess what she thought of her experience…she said, “I’ve never entered a competition like this before as I’ve never really been interested in anything, so being able to benchmark my skills against other trainees was a great experience and winning was a very welcome bonus. It was pretty nerve-wracking but lots of fun”. Jess will now go on to compete at the skillscompetition Wales final which is being held at Bridgend College on 18 March. Keep a look out for our update on this exciting event!

We think that Jess is a great role model and news of her success comes at an opportune time with the advent of International Women’s Day this week.

As various events take place across the country, students at Swansea College are also marking the occasion as they step into each other’s shoes to try their hand at subjects they have never encountered before.

On this note, don’t forget that there will be plenty of opportunities at skillscymru 2010 to get hands on experience and try a skill. Make sure the 16-18 September 2010 is in your diary!

Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales

Calling on Competitors for Challenge to Save Planet Earth!

This year it’s the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day which can often be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs.

The world is in greater peril than ever and climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time.

The WorldSkills UK Environmental Sciences competition has been designed to raise skills and awareness in the science and engineering disciplines, building talent capable of solving complex socio-economic issues.

This competition ran for the first time last year, where four teams of budding scientists, engineers and business students competed at the British Geological Survey in Nottingham.

Whilst competition tasks included the construction of a solar oven; take a look at this gallery to see teams in action; the winning team presented an energy plan for a mythical island. Their plan was based on progressively phasing in a tidal barrage and biomass generation and encouraging a programme of household energy efficiency measures.

This year, the competition final is being held at Pembrokeshire College. Teams of entrants need to register online by 19 March 2010. Competitors are urgently needed for this challenge to save planet earth. Spread the word now!

For more information see our website or contact Joanne O’Brien on 07595 201 588.

Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales

Served in Style!

We attended the Restaurant Services SkillsCompetition Wales final yesterday. As we arrived at Llandrillo College the competition schedule and menu was being explained to the competitors. There was plenty to think about: laying out tables, choosing glasses, folding napkins, opening bottles, advising on drinks, carving salmon and grilled chateaubriand, crepes suzette and royal coffee – a full silver service treatment!

As we sat there we could feel the tension and we were nervous for the competitors – luckily, they kept their focus and it was fascinating to watch their precision, confidence, flair and professionalism. Check out some of our photos on flickr.

The competition was a huge success and all competitors successfully achieved medal rated certificates. Well done to all and congratulations to the following colleges for helping to ensure such high standards from their competitors: Llandrillo, Powys, Deeside,  Yale, Coleg Sir Gâr and Neath Port Talbot.

Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales

UK Master Fitter Competition 2010

The search is on to find the UK’s best automotive glazing technician in this brand new competition.

For those skilled in automotive glass repair and replacement, make sure you enter by 1 March 2010.

Winners of the UK final may progress further to compete at the International Master Fitter Competition – which will take place as part of the Glasstec International Trade Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany (October 2010).

The contest will show how much the automotive glazing industry as developed in recent years in line with changes to technology. Just think for example, of the skills required to diagnose and rectify technical faults in a drop glass or to cut, shape and install flat laminated glass!

For more information on the competition, including how to enter, contact Alison Bucknell.

Help raise the profile of vocational skills WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales

Know your Glassware from your Silverware?

Then enter our competition now!

SkillsCompetition Wales is currently searching to find the best hospitality professional in restaurant service across Wales. Register by 18 December 2009 to ensure you are considered.

Regional heats are taking place at:

• Coleg Llandrillo, 12 January 2010
• Neath Port Talbot College, 28 January 2010
• Coleg Powys, 29 January 2010

The competition final will be held on 9th February 2010.

For more information, see our website or contact Dr. Shyam Patiar, Coleg Llandrillo by telephone 01492 542 316 or e-mail [email protected]

(Acknowledgements for use of photograph: UK Skills)

Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales