NWRC students driven to succeed at Skills Show Finals in Birmingham

Four Automotive students from North West Regional College (NWRC) have made it into the finals of WorldSkills UK National Competitions in Birmingham, (Nov 16-18).

Eoin McCloskey and Declan Porter will compete in the Technical section of the competition, Dylan Russell is a finalist in the Refinishing category and Jordan Barlow is a finalist in the Bodywork section.

The four will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of NWRC student Cameron Nutt who recently represented the UK in Joinery at the Worldskills finals in Abu Dhabi. The ultimate victor will stand a chance to represent the UK at WorldSkills, in 2019 in Kazan, Russia.
During the three day event in Birmingham NWRC Health and Social Care students will also showcase their skills on this global stage and demonstrate CPR , how to use a defibrillator, take  blood pressure and measure peak flow.
This is the third year health and social care students have taken part in the Birmingham Skills Show event, which can attract more than 70,000 spectators.

David Massie, skills competition manager, who recently visited the students at North West Regional College’s Springtown Campus said:  “After the very high standard displayed by the competitors at the national qualifiers, this year’s final promises to be a closely fought contest for the medals.  “Myself and the IMI Skill Auto team are excited to see how these talented young individuals rise to the challenge before them and with the additional incentive of a potential place in the Team UK squad for Russia 2019, there is certainly everything to play for.”

Paul Harrison Lecturer at North West Regional College commented: “We are tremendously proud of our four students who have qualified for the Skills Show.  They have already made it through months of intensive training thanks to the help of their mentor NWRC lecturer  Barry McDaid,  and fought through the National Qualifiers to get this far. Last year Eoin McCloskey came home with a Bronze medal and we are hoping to celebrate even more success this year.”

Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “ WorldSkills UK Competitions are proven to enhance a person’s apprenticeship or training programme by enabling them to develop key character and employability skills.  By using knowledge gained from competing nationally and internationally, we know we are working to benchmarks that will equip more young people with the right skills to help UK businesses compete better globally.”

The Skills Show is the UK’s largest apprenticeship, careers and skills event – hosting the National Finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions, bringing together the UK’s leading employers, colleges and training providers and offering thousands of apprenticeship and job opportunities to help young people get the best start in work and life.