Joe Cullen is one of six finalists competing at the WorldSkills UK national finals this November.  Joe is competing in the Automotive Body Repair category.  This will be Joe’s first experience of the WorldSkills UK national finals.placeholder image
Joe Cullen is one of six finalists competing at the WorldSkills UK national finals this November. Joe is competing in the Automotive Body Repair category. This will be Joe’s first experience of the WorldSkills UK national finals.

Eight SRC students reach WorldSkills UK national final

Eight students from Southern Regional College (SRC) have earned a coveted place in the finals of the prestigious WorldSkills UK national competition, set to take place from November 26-28. The event will be hosted across various colleges and universities throughout South Wales.

These exceptional students will showcase their talents across five of 47 competition areas, demonstrating excellence in a range of technical and professional skills. They are part of a select group of 417 finalists chosen from nearly 7,900 entrants nationwide who competed earlier this year for a chance to represent their College and employers at a national level.

Students competing at the national finals are:

Name Hometown Course Campus Competition Category
Matthew Conn Waringstown Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree, Higher Level Apprenticeship Newry Automation
Phillip Fee Dromore Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree, Higher Level Apprenticeship Newry Automation
Joseph Cullen Portadown Vehicle Accident Repair Body Principles Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship Portadown Automotive Body Repair
Jack Harvison Dungannon Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship Portadown Automotive Refinishing
Andrew McVarnock Newry Professional Cookery Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship Newry Culinary Arts
Leon Ruddy Bleary Professional Chef Level 2 Traineeship Newry Culinary Arts
Carter McKnight Moira Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree, Higher Level Apprenticeship Newry Mechatronics
Ross Graham Banbridge Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) Level 5 Foundation Degree, Higher Level Apprenticeship Newry Mechatronics

This year marks the first time the national competition has been held in South Wales having previously been held in Greater Manchester. Students who preform exceptionally at this year’s national competition may get the chance to represent the UK at the global “skills Olympics” competition in Japan in 2028.

Ben Blackledge, CEO, WorldSkills UK said:

“Congratulations to this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finalists. Our competitions test learners’ skills against global industry standards, providing a powerful platform to showcase their talents. Over two intensive days of competition they will gain valuable skills and confidence which will turbo charge their careers and make the UK economy more competitive.

“With employers all over the UK crying out for high-quality skills this is a fantastic opportunity for hundreds of learners to show they are ready for work. I can’t wait to see the finalists in action.”

Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College added:

“Congratulations to the eight SRC students who have been selected as finalists for this year’s WorldSkills UK national competition. These students have been selected from thousands of entrants to represent our College, their employers and Northern Ireland on a national stage. To have reached the national finals is a commendable achievement and the College looks forward to supporting them on this phenomenal journey to the national stage later this year”.

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