Carlisle College enjoyed a standout week at the annual NCG Skills Competition, held this year at Kidderminster College, with students excelling across multiple professional disciplines and bringing home several category wins.
The inter‑college competition—part of NCG’s commitment to developing real‑world, career‑ready talent—brought together learners from across the country to showcase their abilities in demanding, industry‑aligned challenges. Competitors were tested in practical, time‑pressured environments modelled on WorldSkills‑level standards.
A total of 18 Carlisle College students secured places in the national finals, travelling to Kidderminster College to compete in a broad range of disciplines including:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Plastering
- Electrical
- Beauty Therapy
- Hairdressing
- Art
- Business
Their participation reflects our strong emphasis on professional skill development and industry‑focused learning. Carlisle College students delivered standout performances, earning wins in Plastering, Carpentry and Joinery.
Carpentry – Jak Dolton
Joinery – Shaun Gray
Plastering – Jake Waite
Special recognition goes to Jake Waite, who achieved first place in Plastering for the second consecutive year, demonstrating consistent excellence at national level.
Judges, sponsors and industry partners noted the high standard of work across categories. The NCG Skills Competition is supported by organisations including NOCN Group, Wella, and One Advanced, alongside expert industry judges.
Sarah McGrath, Principal of Carlisle College said “We are extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by all of our learners. They were excellent ambassadors for Carlisle College, and each demonstrated technical skill, creativity, and an admirable commitment to the challenge.”
The event also offered valuable opportunities for students to meet peers from other NCG colleges—including Newcastle College, Newcastle Sixth Form College, Lewisham College, Southwark College and West Lancashire College—and to engage with employers and industry specialists.
NCG Skills 2026 Winners
· Electrical: George Collins, Kidderminster College
· Bricklaying: Ollie Skillen, Newcastle College
· Carpentry: Jak Dolton, Carlisle College
· Joinery: Shaun Gray, Carlisle College
· Painting & Decorating: Ellie Fox, Newcastle College
· Plastering: Jake Waite, Carlisle College
· Business: Jude Strong, Newcastle College
· Hairdressing: Rosie Overy, Lewisham College
· Beauty: Ornela Mucta, Newcastle College
· Creative Media Make-Up: Bethany Covent, Newcastle College
· Art & Design: Lana McKenzie, Newcastle Sixth Form College
