United Colleges Group (UCG) would like to congratulate one of its students after they won gold at the finals of the highly respected WorldSkills UK competition.
Mark Kiss, 19, from the (College of North West London (CNWL), took top prize in the Website Design category at the awards ceremony celebrating the nation’s best apprentices at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on November 17.
The national finals were split into four categories — construction and infrastructure; engineering & technology; health, hospitality and lifestyle; and digital business & creative — with Mark winning gold in Web Development ahead of Daniel Cobzariu from Bedford College Group (silver) and Edinburgh College’s Euan Livingstone (bronze).
Mark started his journey with UCG on the re-engagement course and has since demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience and dedication to reach Level 3 in BTEC National Extended Diploma in Information Technology.
“His journey from being on the reserve list to becoming a champion is truly inspiring, and I am pleased with this fantastic victory,” said Yacob Woldehwiot, Lecturer, ICT, at CNWL.
WorldSkills UK’s competitions are designed by industry experts and help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills.
The competition-based development programme is proven to upskill and develop young people from all backgrounds and abilities.
Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said: “I would like to congratulate all the competitors in the UK WorldSkills final. They have done an amazing job showcasing their exceptional talent.
“They are all winners in my eyes for choosing a pathway that will build their skills and career potential, allowing them to climb the skills ladder of opportunity.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “This is a life-changing moment for these young people. They are the new generation of highflyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.
“Our finals not only celebrate the best in young talent, but also provide a vital opportunity to see how skill development in the UK stacks up both domestically and against our international neighbours.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
