North Notts College students reach the finals of World Skills UK 2016
Alongside our hands-on courses, North Notts College understands the importance of encouraging our students to take part in competitions and gain experience that develops and showcases their skills.
Two North Notts College students recently reached the finals of World Skills UK 2016, taking part in the Environmental Science competition.
World Skills UK aims to inspire young people to be ambitious and to build on the skills they are learning.
Harry Brown and Ben Sofield, Countryside Management students, worked as part of a team to design a 25 year energy plan for an imaginary island. Their aim was to show how they would successfully convert the power supply from coal to greener energy, based on the recent Paris climate deal.
After completing their plan, Harry and Ben then had to present their report to the judges, who posed as authorities such as government officials and environmental activists. “The competition showed you what the job would really be like,” Ben said, “we were really worried about the presentation but we did well. It definitely builds your confidence.”
Land-Based Studies tutor, Geoff Fisher, said “I’m proud of Ben and Harry’s achievement and the hard work they’ve put in to get there. I also know that they have benefited from the experience by developing their ability to work under pressure and network with professionals in areas of work they are hoping to succeed in.”
Countryside Management students have been strong contestants in World Skills UK for the past few years, with most students reaching the finals and even winning the competition.
Harry and Ben are both considering furthering their studies by moving on to Higher Education after completing their course at North Notts College.
Alongside competitions, supporting our students to increase their knowledge of their chosen industries and achieve experience that will be advantageous to them in their future careers is a key part of our ethos.
Eight students from North Notts College recently completed work experience placements at construction company J.Tomlinson. Their employer was impressed with their work and an awards ceremony is planned to celebrate their hard work and success.