Sixteen exceptionally talented students from Southern Regional College (SRC) have earned their spots in the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals scheduled to take place in Greater Manchester from 19th-22nd November 2024.
To qualify for the finals, these students had to excel in regional competitions, competing against their classmates as well as other students from different Colleges.
SRC’s finalists showcased their skills in various disciplines including Automation, Automotive Refinishing, Culinary Arts, Electrical Installation, Foundation Skills: Restaurant Services, Health and Social Care, Industry 4.0, Laboratory Technician, and Mechatronics, resulting in achieving the highest number of competitors from across NI Colleges.
In the national finals, students will compete against participants from across the UK in various specialist skill areas, striving for success and aiming to secure their title of 'Best in the UK' for the third consecutive year.
WorldSkills UK is a partnership between education providers, industry and the UK government to champion skill sets and raise industry standards. The competition celebrates the best of young talent and even provides young people with the opportunity to progress to European and WorldSkills competition series.
SRC students set to compete at the WorldSkills UK National Finals are:
| Competition | Name | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Eve Hillen | Hilltown |
| Automation | Ethan Park | Rathfriland |
| Automotive Refinishing | Ben Robertson | Portadown |
| Culinary Arts | Annabelle Hughes | Armagh |
| Electrical Installation | Jonathan Gough | Craigavon |
| Foundation Skills: Restaurant Services | Phelim McArdle | Newtownhamilton |
| Health and Social Care | Clara Rose Cooney | Kilkeel, Newry |
| Industry 4.0 | Patrick Sheerin | Portadown |
| Industry 4.0 | Caolan McCartan | Camlough, Newry |
| Laboratory Technician | Ruth Douglas | Banbridge |
| Mechatronics | John Doherty | Portadown |
| Mechatronics | Jason McVerry | Belleeks, Newry |
| Mechatronics | Ross Graham | Banbridge |
| Mechatronics | Carter McKnight | Moira |
| Mechatronics | Sean Treanor | Co. Monaghan |
| Mechatronics | Neil King | Warrenpoint |
SRC Electrical Apprentice Jonathan Gough has also been successfully shortlisted for the UK National Final of SkillELECTRIC which will be held in Milton Keynes in November.
Lindsay Bronte, Development Manager at Southern Regional College said:
“I extend my congratulations to all our finalists competing in the WorldSkills National Finals in November. I am immensely proud of each student and commend their commitment, motivation and dedication to reach this stage. Everyone at Southern Regional College wishes you all the best of luck for the finals.”
