Construction talent on display at KFE heats as students scoop up six gold medals

On February 12, we had a fantastic day at EKC Folkestone College as we welcomed students from across the Group for this year’s KFE4Skills Construction and the Built Environment heats.

Throughout the day, our workshops were transformed into professional competitive environments, where students’ technical skills and accuracy were put to the test.

The heats are a vital part of the competition calendar, acting as the qualifier for the final competition against other Kent Further Education (KFE Colleges including MidKent and North Kent College. EKC Folkestone College had students representing every category, tackling complex tasks from building walls with decorative ’26’ brick detailing to creating model doors with intricate panel features.

Ashley Betteridge, Head of Construction and the Built Environment, organised the event, explaining: “I think today has been really positive. The students have engaged well, and the sponsors and judges have done a brilliant job, and we’re so grateful for their support.

“The competition helps develop students’ fine skills, speed and ability to work under pressure. Our students have represented themselves well today, and I’m proud of them. I want them to remember that taking part is just as important as winning. The experience will help them build confidence in their technical abilities.”

In the painting and decorating workshop, students were tasked with combining curved and straight edges in a patterned design, whilst plastering students focused on the precision of a back wall double coat.

When asked how he felt the day was going, Euan Biddis, a competing Level 2 Painter and Decorator Apprentice, told us: “I think today’s going well. Personally, I’ve never done anything this detailed at work, so it’s good to try something new and push myself. It’s all good practice. I’m doing lots of straight lines and details that I wouldn’t normally do in my day-to-day work.

“It’d be nice to go through to the main competition, but ultimately, we all know each other, so it’s just a bit of friendly competition. It’s good to remember, no matter how today goes, it doesn’t determine whether or not we can go into a house and complete a job. I know I can do that, so today is about practising skills I don’t often have the chance to do.”

A key highlight of the event was the involvement of our industry sponsors, including NOCN, Persimmon Homes, Brewers, Park Farm Joinery, Abbots Construction and JDW Tools and Fixings Ltd. Collaborating with employers is vital for our College. It allows professionals to see the high standard of work our students produce, while giving employers the chance to influence what we teach to ensure it meets modern industry needs. 

Tyron Wain from NOCN Group explained the importance of our partnership: “Working with East Kent Colleges Group is important because we want our skills solutions to match the needs of the local labour market. We are working with the College to build a closer partnership and develop qualifications that better meet industry needs.” 

Chris Stone, Manager of Park Farm Joinery, was one of the industry experts on hand to judge the students’ work. When asked about the quality of work he’d seen throughout the day, he commented: “It was a challenge to judge at first because the students were all very good. In those initial marking-out stages, it was very close, and they all showed a good level of experience in the task. 

“Competitions like this give students a real boost, and they enjoy the friendly rivalry. When I was a student here, me and my friends had that level of competition, and I think that’s healthy.”

A successful day of friendly competition came to an end as students waited eagerly to hear the final results. College Principal, Clare Brown, joined department heads, Ashley and Nik Weakley, along with representatives from each of our sponsors, to present winners with a range of industry-standard tools, gift vouchers and trophies.

We are extremely proud of all students who showed great focus throughout the day, sweeping the medal table across each category, including six gold placements for EKC Folkestone College.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the sponsors and employers who gave their time to judge, provide equipment and inspire our students. We also want to thank the staff and students from other Group Colleges who travelled to our campus to compete. We look forward to seeing many of these talented individuals move forward to the KFE4Skills finals next month.

EKC Folkestone College Medal Table