Top trio ready to take on the world
New College Lanarkshire has revealed a number of Lanarkshire students will be flying the flag for Scotland at this month’s WorldSkills UK finals.
The college has 24 finalists in contention for the annual skills competition which involves students and apprentices from across the UK vying for medals in their chosen trade discipline.
Ewan McBride has been selected a finalist in the “network infrastructure technician” category.
The 22-year-old studied HND Computing: Networking and Cyber Security at NCL’s Motherwell Campus.
Ewan, from Wishaw, said: “I feel a little apprehensive about being selected as a finalist.
“I’m just happy to have made it this far, and to be able to include this on my CV for the future.
“Robert Balfour, who was my lecturer, was extremely helpful and included a lot of study material to prepare.
“I never thought I could include myself as a top competitor in anything. This year has been especially hard, and this is just a testament to the hard work that I’ve put in.”
Piotr Zagajewski studied HND Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology (CAADT) and is a finalist in the “digital construction” category of the competition.
The 39-year-old from Wishaw, said: “It is a great opportunity to be selected as a WorldSkills UK finalist.
“It gives me satisfaction knowing that I’m improving my skills and being acknowledged at the same time.”
Gemma McLaughlin is also a finalist in the “digital construction” category and also studied CAADT at NCL’s Motherwell Campus.
The 25-year-old told us: “Being selected as a finalist is something I’m very proud of and I’m glad my hard work has paid off.
“I’m excited and grateful to have had this opportunity.”
NCL is set to host seven o f Wo r l d S k i l l s U K ’s 6 4 disciplines at its Motherwell Campus on November 17 and 18, showcasing many of the digital skills taught at the college.
Most finalists representing the college will compete at its Mother well Campus, with two students travelling to compete in commercial make-up at Coleg Cambria in Wales, and in the electronic security systems competition at the Skills for Security Offices in Cheshire.