Further education students are invited to showcase their vocational work skills in our newly launched national competitions for 2025.
We have partnered with Coleg Elidyr, in Carmarthenshire, to host a range of vocational competitions. These will enable students to demonstrate skills learnt at college. Entrants have the opportunity to exhibit their talents and compete with other students.
The competitions are open to students aged 16–25 who are working at up to Level 1 in mainstream or specialist colleges or schools. Taking part in the competitions is a great way for students to demonstrate their learning and readiness for work and independence.
The deadline for applications is Friday 14 February, and live finals will be held at Elidyr Communities Trust on 27 March and Derwen College on 28 March.
Competitions at Derwen College will be held in table laying and bedmaking for Hospitality students, eco challenges for Horticulture students, visual merchandising competition for Retail students and dance competitions for Performing Arts students. Elidyr Communities Trust will host competitions in animal care, catering, first aid and woodwork.
We feel privileged to have the facilities and industry connections to run these professional competitions which are a valuable part of our award-winning careers programme. These events bring together students from a variety of schools and colleges to compete in a professional way and demonstrate learning and employability skills.
The competitions are part of our ongoing commitment to providing employment opportunities for people with SEND. We were proud to have won an award for our Careers Programme in the UK Career Development Awards 2024.
Head of Curriculum and Careers Lead, Jennifer Fawcett-Jones, said: “We are pleased to be offering national skills competitions to challenge our students as well as learners from specialist and mainstream colleges across England and Wales.
“Competitions focused on students’ vocational pathways stretch and challenge them and recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements. Competitions can drive confidence and self-esteem, which further supports students in their journey towards employment.
“We look forward to welcoming students from many colleges to join us, to display their talents and share experience and expertise.”
Find out more and sign up today.
