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.
“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.”
