College learners win gold, silver and bronze in Skills Competition Wales 2022
College Merthyr Tydfil learners are celebrating this evening after scooping gold, silver and bronze medals at recent national skills competitions.
Each year, learners from across a variety of our vocational courses have the opportunity to engage in a range of national competitions to showcase their skills and knowledge in their subject areas.
This year, despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, over 70 learners registered to take part, with five being awarded gold, silver and bronze medals in recognition of their skills levels, dedication and commitment in the following subject areas:
Mechanical Engineering learner Ryan Howells was awarded gold medallist in the CAD category and is now working towards the completion of his Engineering studies here at the college. Ryan, who comes from Ferndale is studying Engineering part-time at the college.
Celebrating alongside Ryan was Jay Davies, a current Electrical Installation learner. Jay, a former Cyfarthfa High School pupil, achieved a silver award in the Electrical Installation category and is currently studying on the Electrical Installation course here at the college.
Also scooping a silver award were Hristo Atanasov and Jac Williams. Hristo, a former Bishop Hedley Catholic High School learner, is studying on our level 1 vocational pathways course. He impressed judges with his skills in the customer service level 1 competition. Former Penydre learner Jac Williams was awarded his silver in the Painting and Decorating category. Commenting on the award, Jac’s tutor Lewis said “Jac has shown true grit and determination over the last few months within the Painting & Decorating department here at the college. Jac has demonstrated excellent skills to get this far in the Inspiring Skills competition this year, opening up avenues into Worldskills competitions later this year and possible work experiences off the back of this award. Well done Jac”
Former Brecon High School pupil, Delme Price, achieved a bronze medal in the Brickwork competition. Delme, who is currently studying on our level 2 Bricklaying course is looking forward to progressing on to level 3 and then hopes to progress on to an apprenticeship.
Chris Bissex, Head of Enterprise and Skills at the college, commented, “We are thrilled to have so many learners take part this year across a variety of challenges from construction through to Customer Service, Enterprise and Media. We are so proud of them all and especially proud of the five that have been awarded the very best gold, silver and bronze accolades. We strive to provide all of our learners with the very best opportunities to enhance their learning experience and support their progression into employment or higher education and engaging in these competitions provides the perfect opportunity for them to enhance not only their subject skills but also their employability and ‘future-ready’ skills.”
Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales
The Welsh Government funded competition aims to raise the profile of skills in Wales and is aligned to the needs of the Welsh economy, with the Welsh Government recognising the vital role that colleges will play in recovering from the COVID pandemic. Skills Competition Wales is part of the vision for a future of skills excellence in Wales. So, investing in vital skills will enable Wales to move forward into emerging new industries like the digital and green sectors, opening up opportunities for careers and jobs in these areas.
