United Colleges Group (UCG) has been selected to be the lead host for the Greater London Skills Competition 2027, giving talented students from colleges across the capital the opportunity to showcase their technical skills, creativity and career ambitions.
Supported by the Association of Colleges, the Mayor of London and WorldSkills UK, the Greater London Skills Competition celebrates the outstanding work of colleges in developing the skills and talents that London needs to thrive. The competition provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain valuable experience and be recognised for their achievements.
Taking place between 11th and 16th March 2027, the competition will bring together students from London colleges, who will compete across a variety of technical skill areas, including hair and beauty, carpentry, health and social care and cyber security. With 21 London colleges already confirming their involvement, the 2027 competition is expected to be the largest to date.
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal at United Colleges Group, said:
“United Colleges Group is delighted to be the lead host for the Greater London Skills Competition 2027 on behalf of our London College Partners, and we look forward to welcoming students from across London to not only our campuses but colleges throughout London for the largest competition to date.
“The competition is a highlight of the academic calendar, providing an invaluable opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, challenge themselves and be awarded for their achievements. It also serves as an important stepping stone for those aspiring to progress to WorldSkills UK national competitions and beyond.
“Likewise, it will give us the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and talents of London students and show how colleges across the capital are preparing students to meet the London Skills Agenda.
“Our specialist facilities at both City of Westminster College and the College of North West London provide the perfect venues for the competition and we are excited to see what students – both within our own colleges and those across London – achieve across the week. Planning is underway and we look forward to working with our partners at the Mayor of London, WorldSkills UK and the Association of Colleges over the coming months.”
Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, said:
“I’m delighted that United Colleges Group will host the Greater London Skills competition in 2027. This will bring together colleges from across the capital to showcase the very best of London’s talent and the vital role the sector plays in driving opportunity and growth in our city. With London also set to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2027, we hope many of our talented young people will be representing London on an international stage.
“Investing in skills to help Londoners reach their full potential is a key priority for the Mayor. His Inclusive Talent Strategy will support Londoners into good jobs, address skills gaps and enable businesses to access the skilled workforce they need, as we continue building a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”
The Greater London Skills Competition is a stepping stone to the WorldSkills UK competition which is being held in London in both 2027 and 2028. Mark Smallman, Director of Operations, WorldSkills UK said:
“The Greater London Skills Competition is a fantastic showcase of the talent, ambition and potential of young people across the capital. Endorsed by WorldSkills UK, it creates a clear pathway for talented young people to develop their skills, build confidence and progress towards the WorldSkills UK National Competitions.
“By giving young people the opportunity to test themselves against the very best in London, the competition helps competitors develop the work-ready skills that employers want. With the WorldSkills UK National Finals coming to London in 2027, there is an even greater opportunity for young Londoners to take that next step, compete on the national stage in their home city and ultimately have the opportunity to represent the UK on the world stage.”
Today’s announcement coincides with the start of T Levels Week which shines a spotlight on vocational, skills-focussed T level qualifications, and the impact they are having on the UK labour market.
“Being named a finalist for the AoC Adult Student of the Year Award is honestly one of the proudest moments of my journey so far. When I became Student Union President, I wanted to prove that student leadership could genuinely change how a college feels from the inside, more connected, more supported, better able to access opportunities. Seeing that work recognised on a national stage means everything, and it’s pushed me to keep going, not just for the role, but for what I want to build in my future career.”
“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 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.”
“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 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.”
“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 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. ”
“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.”
