The high level of skills learned by Students at UCM were on display last week at the annual Skills Test event.
Throughout the week, students competed in their subject areas against the clock and each other. The challenges were revealed to the students at the start of each test, and students had a set amount of time to complete the task; showing not only their ability but also key transferable skills such as time-management, creativity and precision.
The week-long event included the Hair & Beauty Skills Test ‘A day out at Ascot’, ‘Battle of the Pans’ which tested the culinary skills of the Hospitality, Catering and Food Service students using Manx produce, Data analysis presentation of a fitness plan for sports students, Engineering students manufacturing components, and other activities for Motor Vehicle, Business and six Construction disciplines.
The events were open to the public and saw invited guests, including dignitaries, employers, and industry experts come along to watch the students in action.
Mr Leslie Wong, Head of UCM Board of Governors presented the weeks awards, with Chief Minister the Hon Alf Cannon, visiting the engineering students at the Hills Meadow campus, and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Douglas, Mrs Natalie Byron-Teare and Mr Steven Crellin attending Motor Vehicle and Construction events.
More than 45 students took home certificates and prizes including Shantelle Thorpe winning 1st place for the Electrical test, Aidy Wlochynski winning 1st place in the Construction Brickwork challenge.
Aidy Wlochynski and Les Nicol / Shantelle Thorpe and Les Nicol (Managing Director of NK Construction)
UCM’s Principal Jesamine Kelly said: ‘Skills tests are a really good opportunity for students to showcase their talents to future employers, and it was great to see so many subject areas getting involved this year. We’re extremely proud of our students and the skills they learn.’
UCM would like to thank the following organisations who offered their support with materials and prizes: Robinsons, Isle of Man Creamery, The Abbey Restaurant, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Red Mie, Noa, L’experience Restaurant, Manx Food & Drink Circle, Elite Fitness, Manx Sport & Recreation, Trey Barbers, Be Barber Equipment, Construction IOM, STIHL, Corletts, Watsons of Greeba, Swagelok, RLC Ronaldsway, Manx Utilities, Triumph Group, Strix and Target Tools.
As UCM provides the education programme at the Isle of Man Prison, inmates took part in the test and had the items they produced displayed at the Homefield Road campus.