NCG National Skills Competition Takes Place in Carlisle

Carlisle College was thrilled to host the 5th annual NCG Skills competition this month.

The national competition was held on Wednesday 12^th February and saw students from across the college group compete in a series of practical skills based tasks.

The day brought together students from across 6 of NCG’s colleges; Carlisle College, Newcastle College, Newcastle Sixth Form College, West Lancashire College, Kidderminster College and Lewisham College. Students put their skills and knowledge to the test, with the competition being judged by industry experts.

The competition was supported by NOCN Group, Faithfull Tools, Wella, One Advanced, MKM Building Supplies, British Gypsum, Persimmon Homes, Til-gear, Crown and Paint Well.

Students competed in areas including carpentry, electrical, hairdressing, culinary arts, beauty and make up, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, and plumbing. For the first time this year the competition also saw students compete in a brand new category – Art and Design.

NCG Skills is modelled on WorldSkills, and is designed to not only recognise talent, but also prepare students for participation in national competitions, and provides them with the opportunity to engage with fellow students from across the UK, industry experts and employers.

Sarah McGrath, principal of Carlisle College, described the competition as a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills at a high level: “This is a real opportunity for students from across all of the NCG colleges to come together and demonstrate the skills they’ve developed on their programs.”

As part of the day we were also joined by more than 100 students from local secondary schools. As we were hosting the competition for the first time, we felt it was a great opportunity to invite local schools to see first-hand what Carlisle College, and NCG has to offer. Students were able to see what was happening in the competition areas, and also have taster activities in a range of other subjects, including trying their hand at virtual welding!

The skills competition was concluded with a prize giving, and Carlisle College were thrilled to see local students win across three categories.

Carpentry - Airen Nixon

Culinary Arts – Aiden Martin

Plastering – Jake Waite.

Congratulations and well done to all students taking part in what was a huge celebration of talent across the college group. We look forward to next year’s competition and more of our students having the opportunity to take part.