This week, EKC Sheppey College students showcased their talents at the KFE4Skills competition, an annual event bringing together Colleges from across the region to compete in a wide range of vocational and technical skills challenges.
This year’s event, endorsed by WorldSkills UK, saw our students competing in a range of skills competitions including Bricklaying and Hairdressing across three days.
Rosie Crawford | Hairdressing (Bridal)
Rosie was challenged in the Finals with creating a bridal look. She had 60 minutes to style a total look, including make up and outfit, without the use of heated tools.
The afternoon saw her hard at work in her competition, judged by industry experts, and competing against students from EKC Ashford College and EKC Folkestone College.
For her efforts, she came 2nd, winning a Silver Medal.
Paul Taylor | Bricklaying
Paul was challenged against the clock to build a free-standing brick wall, testing his project management, attention to detail, time management and overall growth in Bricklaying.
He was supported by Programme Director, Daniel Irwin, and Head of Department, Nicole Fitzpatrick, in the Trade finals held at North Kent College.
Speaking about their experiences, Paul said: “I started Bricklaying at school and have enjoyed it ever since. Today doesn’t feel like a competition in that everyone is really friendly and you get all the support you need.
“I was chuffed to win the heats, and the College staff come with me every time to these competitions. I find this really helpful as I can speak to them about what I need and how I’m doing to improve my skills.”
Daniel Irwin, Programme Director for Bricklaying, said: “Paul and the rest of the students are doing really well. They have all got to see how they can compete against their peers in a local setting at College but also against other Colleges to see how they are performing in everyday tasks. They’re all improving on social skills and confidence which is great to see.”
Cliona Sheehan | Hairdressing (Cut and Blow Dry)
This is Cliona’s second year in the KFE4Skills Finals, with last year’s event being one of her highlights of College so far. Thanks to her participation in 2024, she looked-forward to coming back, and came 3rd in the heats, enabling her to progress to this week’s finals.
During her challenge, any techniques could be used to achieve the desired look, with a wide range of tools available for her to use.
Speaking about KFE4Skills, Cliona said:
“I entered because I really enjoyed the blow-dry challenge in my first year, and I wanted to take on more opportunities like that. I have the confidence and don’t mind about the outcome as long as I’m happy with my work.
“My advice to future competitors would be to practice, don’t stress. If you don’t get it right the first time, just keep practicing, and you’ll get there.”
KFE4Skills aims to celebrate technical excellence and prepare students for industry careers. The live skills competitions are an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their course with judges choosing the top three in each category. Participants gain valuable experience they can put on their CV and finalists can progress to regional and national competitions.
These include WorldSkills UK, and we’re proud that KFE4Skills is endorsed by the WorldSkills UK to empower skills development through competition-based learning. Together, we can raise standards in technical and vocational education, ensuring our students and apprentices are equipped for success in their careers.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part, showcasing not only their technical expertise but also their creativity, teamwork and resilience. Congratulations to all participants.
Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK said: “It is fantastic to be working with East Kent Colleges Group on this exciting new programme.
“Skills competitions are one of the best ways to develop and assess high-quality technical skills and this framework will ensure more students/ apprentices at the College can benefit through competition-based learning which is designed to help meet rapidly changing employer needs in existing and emerging industries.”
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