Northern Regional College has once again demonstrated its dominance in the field of Industrial Robotics at the recent WorldSkills UK national finals. The college’s Engineering students, Hannah Currie from Randalstown and Peter O’Neill from Ballymoney, emerged as gold medallists in the prestigious competition held in Manchester.
Since the introduction of Industrial Robotics as a category in 2021, Northern Regional College has consistently emerged as the top contender, thanks in large part to the dedicated efforts of engineering lecturer Karla Kosch. Kosch’s meticulous preparation has proven instrumental in shaping the skills and abilities of the college’s students, giving them a competitive edge in the competition.
WorldSkills UK is a renowned development program designed by industry experts to enhance practical skills and knowledge taught in vocational training courses at further education colleges and training centers. The competitions are meticulously designed to boost participants’ confidence, improve their employability, and spur their professional growth.
Over 400 talented young apprentices and students from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland showcased their expertise in various skills areas during the national finals. The intense competition shed light on the extraordinary talent present among the next generation of skilled workers.
For Hannah Currie, who is in her second year of a Foundation Degree in Engineering at Northern Regional College, the competition was an opportunity to further develop her skills and put them to the test in a high-pressure environment. Balancing her time between classroom instruction and hands-on experience at Wrightbus, where she is employed as a Manufacturing Technician, Hannah has honed her abilities in a range of areas, from lathe work to working with CNC machines.
Peter O’Neill, on the other hand, embarked on a different educational journey. After struggling to cope with the transition from school to university, Peter decided to pursue a welding career with McAuley Engineering. Eventually, he completed a Foundation Degree in Engineering at Northern Regional College and is now a second year BEng Mechanical Engineering student at Ulster University. Reflecting on his experience, Peter recognizes that the Foundation degree proved to be a better fit for him, offering manageable class sizes and personalized interaction with lecturers.
Both Hannah and Peter expressed their gratitude for their WorldSkills experience, emphasizing the wealth of skills they acquired and the doors it will open in their future careers. They encourage other students and apprentices to get involved, attesting to the significant learning opportunities and the added value such competitions bring when seeking employment.
Karla Kosch, the engineering lecturer behind Northern Regional College’s success, commended Hannah and Peter for their dedication and talent. Highlighting the significance of the WorldSkills UK competitions, Kosch emphasized the platform they provide for young individuals to showcase their skills on a national level. She praised the gold medals as a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.
Overall, Northern Regional College’s exceptional performance in Industrial Robotics at the WorldSkills UK national finals underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a future-ready workforce.
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FAQ
What is WorldSkills UK?
WorldSkills UK is a competition-based development program designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge taught in vocational training courses at further education colleges and training centers.
What is the role of Northern Regional College in the competition?
Northern Regional College has consistently excelled in the field of Industrial Robotics at the WorldSkills UK national finals. The college’s engineering lecturer, Karla Kosch, plays a pivotal role in preparing the students for the competition, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
What benefits do participants gain from WorldSkills UK?
Participating in WorldSkills UK allows students and apprentices to enhance their skills, boost their confidence, and improve their employability. It is a valuable learning experience that can open future job opportunities, even if the skill being showcased is not directly related to the desired career path.