Would you like to represent your country in the Skills Olympics?
Dudley College of Technology is proud be recognised as a WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence this means that we make it our mission to develop the skills of our learners to the highest of standards and support them to test their abilities against other students in regional, national and international competitions.
What is WorldSkills UK?
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity dedicated to raising skills in apprenticeship and technical education by sharing international best practice.
Each year WorldSkills UK encourage competitors, to enter competitions based on real life, industry-based scenarios designed by employers.
The top 8-10 finalists across the country, in each vocational skill area, compete against each other for an opportunity to represent the UK and become part of Team UK.
You can find out more information on the WorldSkills UK website: WorldSkills UK | Raising Apprenticeships & Technical Education Standards.
What are WorldSkills UK Competitions?
The competitions are designed by industry experts and help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills.
The competition-based development programme is proven to upskill and develop young people from all backgrounds and abilities.
To find out more about competitions visit: WorldSkills UK.
87% of previous entrants say they improved their technical skills after taking part.
79% said they improved their personal and employability skills.
83% said they can apply the skills they developed to their education, work or other parts of their life.
60% of average earnings of those who have participated in WorldSkills UK’s competition development programmes have higher than those of a comparable per group.
Can I take part in WorldSkills UK?
When you enrol at Dudley College you will have the opportunity to be a WorldSkills UK Competitor, most of our curriculum areas run inter-college competitions leading to the opportunity to take part in regional competition, finalists from this go to the UK national finals and then can even go on to represent Team UK in international competitions.
If you want to be involved, just ask your Tutor to put you forward.
Dudley College of Technology WorldSkills UK Hall of Fame
2024
We are excited to announce that the following students have gained a place in the UK finals in November 2024, and we can’t wait to update you with their progress.
Richard Westwood – Silver Medal winner – Electrical Installation category (pictured).
Tilley Beardsmore – UK Finalist – Hairdressing category.
Brian Smith – UK Finalist Metal fabrication category.
Blake Sinclair – UK Finalist Plastering category.
2023
Tom Sadler – Gold Medal winner – Metal Fabrication category.
Tom Sadler, a highly skilled Level 3 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprentice, triumphed in the UK National Finals in Matal Fabrication in the 2023 competitive cycle.
Commenting on the experience Tom said: “I am delighted to win this prestigious prize, and I would like to thank my employer – Collins Aerospace, for their unwavering support, especially for visiting me during the competition. Additionally, I would like to thank my wonderful tutor: Andy Whitehouse for his guidance and encouragement throughout this journey.”
I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of taking part in WorldSkills and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in getting involved.
Tom’s employer: Collins Aerospace supported him, throughout the competition granting him the necessary time off to hone his fabrication skills and even visiting him in Manchester during the finals. Tom joined Collins Aerospace in September 2023 and hopes to now advance his career by pursuing a Level 4 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship with them delivered through Dudley College.
Amelia Higgins – Finalist: Hairdressing category.
Amelia (aged 20) a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprentice at college, fought her way to the national finals after winning a closely contested West Midlands regional heat. Demonstrating a range of technical skills including a classic cut and style and an editorial style hair up, Amelia was celebrated as one of the top seven stylists in the country, when selected to go forward to compete in the national finals.
Her employer is Dy8 Desinz, in Stourbridge where Senior Director Isabelle Rose has given Amelia a huge amount of support encouraged her to compete throughout the completion and were delighted with her place in the final.
