The fourth annual NCG Skills competition was held at Lewisham College in February.

The day brought together students from across five of NCG’s colleges, putting their skills and knowledge to the test through a series of practical tasks in real work environments, in front of a panel of expert judges.

Apprentices and learners from areas including carpentry, hairdressing, hospitality and catering, joinery, painting and decorating, and plumbing all competed to be named the best in NCG, and for some, a chance to represent their college and region in national skills competitions such as WorldSkills UK.

NCG Skills is modelled on WorldSkills, preparing students for participation in national competitions, strengthening their hands-on experience and providing an opportunity for engagement with employers and peers outside of their classroom.

The competition was judged by experts in each of the categories alongside education specialists NOCN, Construction EPA, VTCT and representatives from WorldSkillsUK. 
 
Jamie Stevenson, Principal of Lewisham College, said: “Competitions like NCG Skills offer an excellent platform for our students to practice the skills they’ve gained on their courses and learn from other competitors on the day. The competition exceeded my expectations, and the hard work put in by all competitors and the staff supporting them filled me with pride. We’re lucky to be part of a national group that can work together to offer an experience like this.

“The event was NCG at its best and was a fantastic opportunity to show off our amazing college and put us even more firmly on the map as a leading provider of skills training in the area. Congratulations to all our finalists, and well done to the winners. We wish them the best of luck for the next step in their career; they’re all fantastic representatives of NCG and their colleges.”

20-year-old Newcastle College student Laura Kirk took first place in Creative Media Makeup. Currently studying a Level 3 Diploma in Hair and Media Makeup, Laura travelled to the competition just a few days after returning from an educational trip to St Lucia.

She said: “I found the opportunity fantastic, and I was overjoyed that I was placed first. I feel the skills I learned over in St Lucia were beneficial and my confidence has improved so much. I am now looking forward to further competitions where I can showcase my skills.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners: 

  • Beauty - Eryn O'Connor, Kidderminster College 
  • Media Make-up - Laura Kirk, Newcastle College 
  • Hairdressing - Tuan Hung Dang, Newcastle College 
  • Bricklaying - Harvey McCreedy, Newcastle College 
  • Electrical Installation - Jayton Wigmall, Lewisham College 
  • Plumbing - Josue Aguilar, Lewisham College 
  • Carpentry - Bradley Velthuysen, Kidderminster College 
  • Joinery - Connor Irwin, Kidderminster College 
  • Painting and Decorating - Glen Purcell, Lewisham College 
  • Culinary Arts - Geoff Harney, Carlisle College 

NCG is increasingly committed to supporting participation in skills competitions as a key strand of its approach to education and training, and firmly believes that skills competitions provide learners and apprentices with an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills against national and international standards, under competitive pressures.