10 Cheshire College learners have successfully qualified for the WorldSkills UK finals after taking part in rigorous competitive qualifying rounds against learners from training providers across the country.   

WorldSkills UK competitions are designed by experts to be highly competitive, assessing numerous abilities, including practical skills, knowledge and employability against a set of strict criteria. The competition is designed to encourage, inspire ambition, push for excellence and equip entrants with world-class skills. 

18-year-old, Keanu Dowsett, joined Cheshire College instead of staying on at sixth form after his GCSEs and this September, progressed onto a HNC Creative Media Production course at the College’s Chester Campus. Keanu said: “I first heard about the WorldSkills competition when I joined the College back in 2019. I am truly grateful for the tutors that encouraged me to get involved. It is a great opportunity for me to develop my skills and a unique experience to add to my CV. I will be spending the new few weeks preparing to compete in the National Finals. Hopefully I do well, I am certainly going to give it my best shot!” 

Jennifer Waddington, from Ellesmere Port, recently completed her Level 3 Gym Instructing and Personal Training course. Talking about her WorldSkills experience to date, Jennifer said: “The entire experience has been so refreshing! It is really important to me that I inspire others pursuing a career in the fitness industry and WorldSkills has given me a platform to build my confidence and showcase my skills.  

“My tutors have been there every step of the way, they are amazing and the opportunity to compete has allowed me to grow my network with other like-minded individuals. I can’t wait to see what the finals bring!  

Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal – Innovation, Curriculum and Quality, commented: “We’re extremely proud of our learners and their achievements. Competing in the finals is an opportunity for our learners to showcase their specialist skills on a national stage and benchmark themselves against the very best in the country. What they have achieved so far reflects their commitment and dedication to their respective career paths and I, on behalf of everyone at the College, wish them every success.” 

Each year WorldSkills has a real impact on those taking part, with 90% of previous entrants saying their career progression improved after competing and 86% stating their personal and employability skills had improved. 

The College’s team of 10 will be joining over 400 other finalists to compete for gold, silver and bronze medals, which will be taking place at 25 venues across the UK from 9-19 November 2021.  The winners will be crowned at a ceremony hosted by TV Presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 ‘Packed Lunch’ Studio on Friday 26 November 2021.  

Full list of finalists: 

• Keanu Dowsett, 3D Digital Game Art 
• Lily Burt, Commercial Make-Up 

• Ivan Barzev, Culinary Arts 
• ️Jenni Waddington, Fitness Trainer – Personal Training  
• Gabriela Pawlicka, Graphic Design 
• Ella Banks, Graphic Design 
• Samantha Reid Masters, Nail Technician  

• Lauren Robertson, Nail Technician 
• Leah Castleton, Restaurant Service  
• Lauren Jones, Restaurant Service  

As the largest provider of post-16 education in the region with Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, Cheshire College has over 11,000 learners and 1,000 Apprentices and works with more than 500 local, national and international employers to offer offers a range of courses from Entry Level to Level 7. To find out more visit www.ccsw.ac.uk – Your Career Starts Here.