SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
Gold medallists Cryptic Nexus, Lennon Bulloch and Luke Clayton. Photos: WorldSkills UK
At New College Lanarkshire, WorldSkills UK competitions are a big part of what we do. We’ve worked hard to weave the WorldSkills standards into our daily teaching, using competition-based learning to help students build the skills they need for the workforce of the future.
This approach gives students the chance to embark on an amazing journey that could take them all the way to the international stage—and who knows, maybe even become a world champion in their chosen skill. How exciting is that?
It’s not by chance that New College Lanarkshire beat more than 100 universities and colleges from across the UK to be crowned No.1 in this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester. It’s not by chance that, over all the years of WorldSkills UK, NCL is cumulatively the most successful institution … EVER! It’s in our DNA. It’s part of how we thrive, how we succeed.
For me, it’s not just about the medals (although they’re fantastic, of course). It’s about how these competitions push students to develop skills that are in high demand by employers. These are skills that set them apart, not just in their technical ability but in how they approach challenges and solve problems.
In my role, I get to work closely with WorldSkills UK to design and deliver competitions that meet national and international standards. These are inspired by industry expectations and aim to stretch students, not just technically, but in ways that help them grow as people. It’s all about encouraging skills like resilience under pressure, focus, problem-solving and other Meta-skills that are so important today.
It’s such a rewarding process to see students push themselves, rise to the challenge, and achieve incredible things. Whether it’s competing on a national stage or building the confidence to tackle real world challenges, this work is about preparing them for a bright future.
Every year, the exciting WorldSkills cycle kicks off in January and I get to work closely with WorldSkills UK and our industry partners to shape the next round of competitions. This includes building the framework for the Entry Stage, the National Qualifiers and the National Final, all key milestones in the journey.
In February and March, we open registration and that’s when the buzz really starts! We host webinars to give educators, employers and potential competitors a clear picture of what’s involved. We talk through the cycle, share the key dates they need to know and explain the commitment required to take part.
These webinars are more than just information sessions. They’re packed with inspiration. We invite our amazing sponsors, judges and past competitors to join us and share their stories. Hearing from people who’ve been through it before really helps to fire up the passion and drive for others to get involved.
It’s such a rewarding process to see that spark of excitement as people realise they’re about to embark on something that could change their lives. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Within every WorldSkills UK cycle, there are amazing resources available at each stage for students, apprentices, educators and employers. Whether someone wants to participate or simply upskill their knowledge, there’s something for everyone.
For those who make it to the National Final, there’s tailored training available, not just for the competitors but also for their educators and employers. This support helps everyone involved push the competitors to reach their full potential.
As a lecturer at New College Lanarkshire, I take a lot of pride in teaching our students to meet the standards that industry demands. To help them reach this level, our courses are aligned with the Worldskills occupational standards and we’ve also been using the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab. It’s such a powerful tool! It allows us to benchmark our students’ skills throughout the year against others across the UK. For me, it’s a game-changer. It provides ready-to-teach resources and assessments that make it easier to help students enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen area.
At the college, I work closely with my colleagues to build a real team spirit around competitions, extending it across the curriculum. We all go that extra mile for our students because we’ve seen what’s possible: the achievements, the personal growth, and those unforgettable smiles from students who’ve competed over the years.
The students who take part in WorldSkills competitions gain so much more than technical skills. They get to meet new friends and become part of the WorldSkills UK Champions Network. For many of them, it’s their first time leaving their local community, being away from parents or guardians or staying away from home. It’s not just about competing. It’s about giving them a sense of belonging and a life-changing experience they’ll never forget.
For me, WorldSkills brings a huge sense of satisfaction. Watching competitors grow – not only in their technical abilities but also in their confidence – is genuinely inspiring. I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve watched students take on challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones and I’ve seen them flourish into confident, skilled individuals. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face as I write this.
Every year, WorldSkills UK reminds me why I love what I do. It’s about more than teaching skills. It’s about transforming lives. Watching students step up, push boundaries and achieve things they never thought possible is what makes it all worthwhile.
To anyone considering getting involved, whether as a competitor, educator or employer, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just about competing, it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and being part of something truly special.
Here’s to the next generation of WorldSkills competitors and the bright futures they’re building. Let’s keep inspiring, achieving and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Lisa Nicholson, competition organiser partner for WorldSkills Mechanical Engineering: CAD and Digital Construction, and CADD Lecturer of Computing and Digital Technologies at New College Lanarkshire.
