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Golden student channels his skills at top contest
A TV student enjoyed a golden night of viewing as he took home a top accolade at the UK’S biggest skills competition.
Joshua Valenti, of Coatbridge, won a gold medal at the Worldskills National Finals.
The 22-year-old, an HND television student at the City of Glasgow College, was one of five participants who secured team gold for digital media production at the prestigious event.
Former Coatbridge High School pupil Josh thought the competition was a great experience, saying: “When I started, I doubted we could win, or even get to the finals for that matter.
“I’m really proud of my team, and lecturer, as this was a team effort like no other.
“I feel a lot more confident in my abilities to succeed in this field and am hopeful for the future thanks to the competition”.
The Worldskills UK skills competitions are designed by industry experts, and assess an individual’s “knowledge, practical skills and employability attributes against set criteria in a competitive timed-environment”.
Josh added: “I found being away from home to attend the finals a challenge.
“You never think you’re going to miss it until you’ve left. During the last two years at college it’s been hard to get practical experience, so having the opportunity to do what we do in a national competition was one I couldn’t pass up.”
Laura Dickson, lecturer in television at the City of Glasgow College, helped mentor Josh and his teammates.
She said: “We’re really proud of them all. Working with the students on this project has been incredibly rewarding.
“They worked so hard to prepare themselves for the competition. Working on meta skills and new genres of production has hopefully provided them with lifelong skills.”
Paul Little, principal and chief executive of the City of Glasgow College, added: “I am delighted that the hard work of our students, their coaches and lecturers has paid off.
“Our college won the largest number of gold medals overall; an exceptional achievement, particularly given the challenging circumstances caused by the ongoing pandemic.
“These competitions improve skills levels and help equip our students with the expertise and experience they need for the world of work. Josh should be very proud of his success.”
A virtual medal ceremony was broadcast live on Channel 4, hosted by Stephanie Mcgovern from her Packed Lunch studio, which announced all of the medal winners.
The college held a “Watch Party” at its city campus lecture theatre where Joshua, together with fellow students, coaches and trainers, gathered to learn the results.