David Brockhouse, Nathan Jones and Sam Piper achieved first, second and third place respectively in the IT Support Technician competitions on Friday (23rd June) at Bedford College.
The learners, who are currently completing their qualification in BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT (Networking and Systems Support), were given the task of speed building a desktop PC, joining and configuring network domains, troubleshooting and repairing faults on the computer systems and using command line script to perform various actions.
As successful regional finalists the trio will now have the chance to go on to compete at the national finals taking place at the NEC Birmingham this November, in the nation’s largest skills and careers event.
Once judges have analysed all UK scores, if the students score within the top eight in the UK they will have the opportunity to showcase these skills at the national finals.
The challenge lasted four hours and the four other colleges taking part were Chesterfield College, North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, South Leicestershire College and Bedford College.
Meanwhile, another student from the BTEC Diploma, Luke Walters, was entered into the Network Systems Administrator competition on the same day.
Luke, 18, from Mansfield, narrowly missed being placed in the top three but still scored impressively. He was pipped to the post by Andy Gardner, who was a computer science student at the college two years ago. Andy, who went on to Nottingham Trent University to study a degree in computer systems covering forensics and security, competed in the 2015 Skills Show at the NEC.
World Skills UK helps to promote career opportunities, showcase the value of skills and focuses on employability and excellence in standards.
As part of the World Skills competitions, skills challenges are being held around the globe to showcase and inspire world-class excellence in skills and introduce young people to a variety of careers.
Tutor Aaron Hulka said: “We’ve been competing in World Skills UK for nine years and this year marks the eighth year that we have had students placed first in the regional events.
“All students have done a fantastic job of taking the skills that they have learned and performing at a level that we have come to expect in computer science. They’ve done themselves, their families, their tutors and the college proud in their achievements and can expect shining futures.”