Medal success for South West College at WorldSkills UK Finals
Students from South West College have claimed Gold and Bronze Medals at the WorldSkills UK Finals with the prizes awarded during at ceremony at The Manchester College on Friday, 22nd November.
David Bateman-Smith, a Level 3 Plumbing Student at the Technology and Skills Centre in Enniskillen was awarded the Gold Medal in the plumbing category. David is employed as an apprentice with Ashley McFarland Plumbing. Furthermore, Andrius Simkus and Luke Taylor, both students on the HLA Engineering Programme at the college’s Dungannon Campus picked up bronze medals in the Automation category. Andrius is employed by Mallaghans GSE and Luke is a member of the team at Metfin.
David Bateman-Smith, a Level 3 Plumbing Student at the Technology and Skills Centre in Enniskillen was awarded the Gold Medal in the plumbing category.
Almost 500 students and apprentices participated in the finals of the competition which are an integral part of the post-16 education and training calendar. Over 6,000 students from across the UK Further Education sector compete annually in regional events.
Celebrating the medal haul, South West College’ Principal, Celine McCartan said;
“I am absolutely delighted for David, Andrius and Luke that their talents and work ethic has been recognised at a national level with medal wins at the WorldSkills UK finals. It is quite an achievement to compete in the skills competitions at this level, but to be among the medal winners is a testament to their skills and determination. I would also like to congratulate Emily Jane McElroy (Beauty Therapy) and Aaron Cassidy (Bricklaying) who reached the final stages of the competition, the students should all be very proud of these wonderful achievements.
I wish to thank their tutors for encouraging and supporting the students as they progressed in the competition and I extend my congratulations to their employers and families for their guidance.
UK Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith MP, said;
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s magnificent competition. Each of you has showcased exceptional talent and promise of our future workforce. Competition like WorldSkills UK are so important in nurturing talent, providing a vital platform for young people to develop the skills they need to seize opportunities and achieve growth.”
Finalists from the competition may be selected to join WorldSkills UK’s international training and development programme and then have the opportunity to join Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.