A selection of City of Westminster College and College of North West London students have made it through the Entry Stages and are now preparing to compete in the WorldSkills UK National Qualifiers this summer. UCG students will compete with young people across the country to prove their technical and vocational talent in the hope of securing a place at the National Finals.
WorldSkills UK, the “skills olympics”, is part of a network of international events that shine a spotlight on the next generation of skilled professionals. Participants are aged 16 or over, and compete across a range of industries, from Construction and Infrastructure to Engineering and Technology.
The qualifiers are a chance for UCG students to demonstrate the skills that they have accumulated across the year, many of whom are set up for frontline careers in sectors experiencing skills shortages in London.
This year, UCG will be competing in Cyber Security, Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Welding, Laboratory Tech, Beauty Therapy and Web Development.
“Wishing you ALL the best of luck” says Rahwa Tecle, Science Technician Team Leader at United Colleges Group “As you take on the National Qualifiers, know that your commitment and perseverance have already set you apart. This is your opportunity to demonstrate everything you’ve learned and the passion you bring to your work. Stay calm, stay confident and let your skills shine. A place in the National Finals this November is within reach, go for it!”
The National Qualifiers will decide who progresses to the National Finals in the autumn. Those who excel could go on to represent the UK at the EuroSkills and WorldSkills international competitions.
UCG has seen past success in WorldSkills competitions. In 2023, Mark Kiss won Gold at the UK National Finals for Website Development, and went on to win a Medallion of Excellence for Web Technologies at World Skills Lyon 2024.
Keep an eye on our social channels as we follow our students through the UK competition this year. Good luck all!
“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.”
“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.”
“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. ”
“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.”
