West London College students excel at WorldSkills UK Live National Finals

Two West London College students competed at the World Skills UK LIVE national finals last week. The competition took place from 15-17 November at the NEC in Birmingham and saw 85,000 visitors over three days.

Max Dandy and Sam Dixon, Carpentry students at Park Royal College competed against the UK’s top Carpenters in front of over 85,000 visitors. The eight finalists were tasks with the construction of a complex frame to include a roof, a set of stairs and a swing in only 18 hours.

After a difficult deliberation, Max was awarded a Highly Commended Certificate and Sam Dixon came in fifth place. Max said:

“I am really pleased to have won Highly Commended and for having completed the project, it was a true test of my abilities, skills and knowledge. I had a great experience and would like to compete once again next year.”

Noel Hall, West London College Carpentry Lecturer attended the event with the students. He said:

“I am very proud of our learners, they both enjoyed the experience and completed their project to a high standard. They were happy with the training they received in preparation for the competition and did extremely well.”

World Skills UK competitions run in over 60 skill areas where 500 finalists battle it out in 70 different disciplines, in a bid to be the best in the country.

Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:

“Congratulations to Max Dandy and Sam Dixon, it is a fantastic achievement. The competition was fierce and the standards very high. All of your hard work and dedication has been rewarded and we at WorldSkills UK salute you.”

World Skills UK Live show aims to inspire students with the latest training, education and job opportunities helping young people to find jobs and careers advice, apprenticeships, training, and further education.

West London College is a large Further Education college with five sites: Hammersmith and Fulham College, Ealing Green College, Southall Community College, Park Royal College and West London Construction Academy.

Rated Good by Ofsted it is the Top Performing College in London having achieved the first position in the National Achievement Rate Tables for both Overall Achievement Rate and Adult Achievement Rate in London. Offering both full-time and part-time courses for 16-18s and adults in a wide range of subjects, students can choose vocational, professional and academic qualifications. It also provides flexible and responsive training programmes for employers and high-quality apprenticeships via its employer training arm, the Evolve Learning Group.