On 26th March, College of North West London united with five other hosts across the capital to put on the Inter-College Skills Show. Hundreds of students competed across locations in London and Essex, making it the largest skills competition that London and the Southeast has seen for over a decade.

United Colleges Group learners reached second place in the Plumbing competition, and third in the Cyber competition. The college’s strong cyber skills reputation has been growing since former student, Mark Kiss, won a Medallion of Excellence in Web Technologies after four days of gruelling competition at World Skills Lyon last September.

The Inter-College Skills competitions were endorsed by WorldSkills UK and devised by Barking & Dagenham College to demonstrate how vocational education equips learners with industry-relevant expertise in sectors that face skills shortages in London. This includes construction, engineering, hospitality, healthcare, science, and digital industries.

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, was a special guest and opened the competition at the College of North West London. During his visit, Mr Dawber observed electrical and plumbing competitions in action and talked to participants about how vocational education is equipping them with industry-relevant expertise.

Mr Dawber commented: “London’s further education providers play a vital role in equipping Londoners with the skills they need to unlock their potential, and in turn supply businesses with a diverse pipeline of talent. Events like this help to deliver on ambitious targets in our new London Growth Plan to build the capital’s skilled workforce and ensure all Londoners can access not just good jobs but exciting career paths. I was proud to support this initiative, which brought together employers, educators, and students to help build a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal at United Colleges Group, said “The Inter-College Skills Show was a fantastic celebration of talent, ambition and collaboration. We were honoured to welcome Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber to our Willesden campus to open the event, setting the stage for an inspiring day of hands-on learning and skills development.

“The event showcased the incredible potential of our students and the vital role that further education plays in shaping the future workforce. United Colleges Group is proud to be at the heart of this initiative, fostering opportunities that empower learners and strengthen industry connections.”

Employers and further education providers are crucial players to deliver the Mayor’s ambitions to grow London’ skilled workforce and ensure key sectors have the skills they need to evolve. Eight colleges took part in the event, who between them train over 100,000 students per year. United Colleges Group was joined by Barking & Dagenham College, Waltham Forest College, South Essex College, Capital City College, Newham College, Barnet and Southgate College and Newham Sixth Form College.