We’re celebrating our fantastic WorldSkills UK 2025 national finalists – including two medallists!
The nationwide skills competition came to an exciting conclusion at venues across South Wales. Our learners, alongside students and apprentices from all corners of the UK, showcased skills excellence and ingenuity while competing in profession-based challenges.
We’re incredibly proud to share that two Oldham College finalists came away as medal winners: Ellie, who won Silver in the Foundation Skills: Hairdressing competition, and IT Support Technician learner Jake, who scooped the Gold!
Our third finalist, Archie, also performed fantastically throughout the competition to become an Electrical Installation national finalist.
When asked how it feels to have won Gold, Jake said: “One word: unexpected! The start of the finals was stressful, as things didn’t go to plan – however, I was able to find solutions and an alternative way to do things.
“This was good preparation for the ‘real world’, where things don’t always go as you expect.
“I’m now hoping to go to Japan in 2028 to represent the UK at WorldSkills!”
Simon Jordan, Principal, said:
“We’re so proud of all our WorldSkills UK national finalists, who have represented Oldham College to a high standard and performed exceptionally to reach this stage of the competition.
“WorldSkills UK is an invaluable experience for our learners, raising aspirations for all who take part. With a focus on building and developing career-ready skills and excellence, these competitions also benefit the local economy.
“Congratulations to Jake and Ellie on your medal wins, and to Archie for reaching the National Finals. These accomplishments reflect your hard work and determination, and we are delighted to have played a part in your WorldSkills UK journey.”
We continue to embed WorldSkills UK principles into our practice at Oldham College, creating a curriculum that inspires and challenges our learners.
Our recent college-wide Excellence Week – where more than 100 skills competitions took place across all sectors – was officially endorsed by WorldSkills UK, and more than 200 of our staff members have completed WorldSkills UK Module 1: Competence to Excellence training.
We are also looking ahead and hope to build on our success at WorldSkills UK 2026!
