WorldSkills UK endorses Kent skills competition

WorldSkills UK has endorsed a Kent skills competition in which East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) students took part.

KFE4Skills is an exciting contest between EKC Group, MidKent College and North Kent College students and apprentices.

Across three days, participants showcase their skills in the commercial industries, creative industries, automotive and trade industries.

While all those who take part receive a certificate, the finalists can go on to be selected to enter the regional and national WorldSkills UK competitions as a representative of their College.

Last year, history was made after two EKC Group students won at the national WorldSkills UK Competition.

Frankie Pettman won gold and got a perfect score at the competition while Sam White took the bronze medal.

This year, WorldSkills UK endorsed the KFE4Skills competition which pushes students and apprentices to develop the high-level skills employers are looking for.

The Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework draws on WorldSkills UK’s extensive experience in running national competitions and preparing Team UK for international competitions. 

Kicking off on Tuesday and drawing to a close yesterday, this year’s contest saw more than 50 medals won by EKC Group.

WorldSkills UK is a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments.

It is a world-class skills network acting as a catalyst for raising standards, through international benchmarking and professional development, championing future skills, through analysis of rapidly changing economic demand and empowering young people, from all backgrounds, through competitions-based training and careers advocacy.

WorldSkills UK’s activity is seen as an integral part of the post-16 education and training calendar and participating in competitions provides opportunities for young people to develop further their technical and employability skills to higher levels, in line with global industry standards.

Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK said: “It is fantastic to be working with EKC Group on this exciting new programme. 

“Skills competitions are one of the best ways to develop and assess high-quality technical skills and this framework will ensure more students/ apprentices at the College can benefit through competition-based learning which is designed to help meet rapidly changing employer needs in existing and emerging industries.”