Applied Science students to go head-to-head in WorldSkills UK finals

Two Science students from Capital City College Group (CCCG) will go head-to-head in the national finals of this year’s WorldSkills UK competition.

Dante Senior, 19, and Andy Brenya, 20, will compete against six other finalists from across the country in the Laboratory Technician challenge in Manchester in November.

WorldSkills UK aims to raise standards in technical education and apprenticeships through a series of national competitions to support high-quality skills training and boost the economy.

Dante and Andy took part in the competition while studying for an Applied Science Level 3 Diploma at City and Islington College (CANDI) and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) respectively this year.

The pair reached the final after undertaking two three-hour challenges in chromatography and titration in the National Qualifier of the Lab Technician competition at Middlesex University.

They were among eight students from across both colleges chosen for the National Qualifiers after demonstrating their skills through a series of online learning assessments.

Dante, who has just completed the first year of his diploma at CANDI, said: “I feel ecstatic to reach the finals. It was incredible news as I wasn’t sure if I’d get through because I’d never done something like this before.

“Our teachers were very supportive and prepared us well in the weeks leading up to the qualifiers. We came in at half-term to practise and hone our skills, which happened to be the same practicals we were asked to do at Middlesex.

“There were times when I saw I was quite far behind compared to everyone else, but I managed to make it up and everything worked out in the end.”

Andy completed his course at CONEL this year and will start a BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Hertfordshire in September.

He said: “I honestly didn’t expect to get through to the final. I am very excited. It is a big accomplishment and I’m very happy.

“I was confident when I went into the qualifier because I had prepared well, but when I saw they were only going to pick eight out of 80 or so people who were competing. Initially, there was some pressure because you could see other people doing it, but I took my time and focused on my own work and that kept me calm.

“My teachers said just getting being part of the competition was important, but once I was there I wanted to win.”

WorldSkills UK challenges are designed by industry experts and develop participants’ technical and employability skills including resilience, self-confidence and communication.

The finals will see 442 students and apprentices compete in 51 skills challenges from accounting, construction and health and social care to beauty therapy, landscaping and cybersecurity.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “I offer my congratulations to all of the National Finalists. 

“We know our competition-based training programmes deliver real value and benefits to the young person taking part, but the programmes also provide opportunity for the development of their educators and trainers in delivering training that meets the latest industry standards.

“The young people that take part in our national programme are a true inspiration and demonstrate the skills we have in the UK.”

The medallists will be announced at a ceremony at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 17 November

Find out more about Science and Forensics courses with CCCG and apply here.

Share!