OLDHAM College is celebrating national success after three of its students reached the WorldSkills UK finals for 2025 – with two returning home as medallists.
WorldSkills UK is a nationwide competition that sees students and apprentices tested through demanding, hands-on challenges linked directly to their chosen industries.
This year’s national finals took place at venues across South Wales, bringing together some of the country’s most talented young people.
Representing Oldham College were Ellie Bennett in Foundation Skills: Hairdressing, Jake Wilkinson in IT Support Technician, and Archie Casson in Electrical Installation.
All three reached the national stage, with Jake securing a gold medal and Ellie taking home silver.
Jake said winning gold came as a surprise after a challenging start to the competition.
“One word: unexpected! The start of the finals was stressful, as things didn’t go to plan – however, I was able to find solutions and an alternative way to do things.
“This was good preparation for the ‘real world’, where things don’t always go as you expect. I’m now hoping to go to Japan in 2028 to represent the UK at WorldSkills!”
Following the national finals, medal winners who meet set criteria can opt in for a chance to be selected for Squad UK – the group from which competitors are chosen to represent the UK at future global WorldSkills events. The next international competition will take place in Aichi, Japan, in 2028.
Oldham College Principal and Chief Executive Simon Jordan praised the students’ achievements and the effort behind them.
“We’re so proud of all our WorldSkills UK national finalists, who have represented Oldham College to a high standard and performed exceptionally to reach this stage of the competition.
“WorldSkills UK is an invaluable experience for our learners, raising aspirations for all who take part. Congratulations to Jake and Ellie on your medal wins, and to Archie for reaching the National Finals.”
The college has continued to build WorldSkills-style challenges into everyday learning, with staff and students regularly taking part in competitive skills events.
Earlier this year, its Excellence Week saw more than 100 competitions held across different subject areas, with the programme officially endorsed by WorldSkills UK.