Students preparing to represent the College of West Anglia (CWA) in national skills competition, WorldSkills, were recognised during the College’s annual Go for Gold celebration.
The event brought together learners and staff to celebrate those who have been selected to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions after progressing through regional heats in each skill area. WorldSkills is dubbed the skills Olympics as competitors vie for bronze, silver and gold medals as well as highly commended placements.
Students celebrated included:
Keegan Hanks from King’s Lynn – Foundation Skills: Catering
Erikas Rimkus from Wisbech – Foundation Skills: Enterprise
Finn Mcauley from Wisbech -Foundation Skills: Enterprise
Marc Watson from March – Foundation Skills: Enterprise
Paige Marshall from Wisbech – Health & Social Care
Rianna Moore from Terrington St. John – Foundation Skills: Hairdressing
Selene Coote from King’s Lynn. -SFX Makeup for Film & TV
The Go for Gold evening provides an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication shown by learners, as well as the additional support given by staff at the college to coach the learners in to poll winning positions. As the evening is timed before the national finals in November, it’s designed to be the last motivational push for the students ‘go for gold’.
The celebration highlighted the opportunities that skills competitions create for learners, from building confidence and developing technical expertise to strengthening the professional behaviours valued by industry.
Many of the learners have undertaken additional training alongside their studies, refining their skills in preparation for regional and then the national competition where they will represent both the College and their chosen disciplines.
Marc Watson said, “It’s been brilliant to celebrate everyone’s achievements ahead of the competition. Tonight has been a real confidence boost, and it’s great for our families to learn more about WorldSkills and what we’re working towards. I’m really excited to compete!”
Selene Coote added, “It’s lovely to have our hard work recognised and celebrated tonight. I’m really excited for the competition, and it feels like a fantastic way to round off my time at CWA.”
Paige Marshall remarked that, “I’ve really enjoyed tonight, especially the food! I’m excited to head to Wales for the competition, step outside my comfort zone and put everything I’ve learnt on my course into practice.”
Keegan Hanks reflected on his progress to get to the WorldSkills competition, saying
“I couldn’t cook when I started my course last year, so to now be preparing for a national competition is incredible. WorldSkills has pushed me to aim higher and develop my skills, and I wouldn’t be where I am without my lecturer Adam’s patience and support. I’m excited to see how far I can go!”
The College has a proud history of success in WorldSkills UK competitions, with learners regularly achieving recognition at regional and national level across a wide range of vocational disciplines.
David Pomfret, Principal of the College of West Anglia, said: “Tonight is an unashamed celebration of the achievements of our exceptional student competitors who have secured places in the national finals of WorldSkills UK. They have done so well and we are all incredibly proud of them. Four hundred and seven students and apprentices have qualified for the UK finals, eight thousand one hundred and fifty six people registered, meaning our finalists are in the top five percent in the country in their skill area, already an incredible achievement. To our students I say, enjoy this fantastic opportunity; work hard, dream big and ‘Go for Gold’!”