This week, EKC Folkestone College students and apprentices showcased their talents at the KFE4Skills competition, an annual event bringing together Colleges from across the region to compete in a wide range of vocational and technical skills challenges.
This year’s event, endorsed by WorldSkills UK, saw many of our students competing in a range of skills competitions including Digital Video Production, Painting and Decorating, Beauty Therapy, Culinary Arts, Hairdressing and Inclusive Skills.
Taking place across three days, students were able to successfully represent Creative, Trades and Commercial industries, with medals being won on every day of the competition.
Aaron Periam | Catering
Aaron was one of three Catering students representing the College at this year’s KFE4Skills, who worked together to create a three-course meal that would wow the judges.
The team scooped a Silver Medal for their Thai Fishcakes starter, Rump Lamb and Shepherd’s Pie main, and Belgian Chocolate and Raspberry Tart Dessert.
Speaking after their win, Aaron said:
“It’s been a very competitive day, and there’s been lots of challenges, especially considering all of our competition were around us the whole time. I’ve really enjoyed the day and the experience.
“We just put our heads together, focused, worked hard and now we’ve come second which is great.”
Leila Saleh | Beauty Therapy (Body)
Leila was inspired to enter the Beauty industry thanks to her parents, with her Mum working as a Beauty Therapist and her Dad working as a Barber.
She has been looking forward to this week’s KFE4Skills, as her first Beauty competition, and is very pleased to have received a Gold Medal.
Speaking before her win, she said:
“I would really recommend anyone to study Beauty as it’s a really good course. You learn lots of social skills and learn how to be independent.
“This this is my first proper beauty competition. It would be really nice to come first, second or third. I’m actually a nail technician outside of this, and I would love to hold my certificate out in the salon and show off my medal.”
Ed Gannaway | Painting and Decorating
Ed is a Painting and Decorating apprentice at the College, studying one day a week alongside paid employment.
Alongside fellow apprentices, he was tasked with painting, decorating and designing a wall to a specific brief, focusing on colours, linework and time management. For Ed, he took part in KFE4Skills as a way to further develop his knowledge in the industry, and to advance his skills in employment.
Speaking during the contest, he said:
“For me it’s just about being here. You learn more things year on year, and every time you do something like a competition, you’re learning.
The College staff have been so supportive, cheering me on all the way. I’d say it’s good to learn skills and taking part in this encourages you to learn about health and safety, about sites and how to behave, and what work is expected of you and different types of paint.”
Dylan Komaromi | Digital Video Production
KFE4Skills saw Dylan secure a Silver Medal, for his film inspired by COVID and the lockdowns throughout.
The competition saw Dylan using his skills against 14 other students from Colleges across Kent to edit together a film trailer. He was also tasked with presenting his film to external judges who were all industry professionals.
Speaking of his inspiration for the project, and what he enjoys about KFE4Skills, he said:
“With scripting especially, I struggle to find themes, so I always think what is something that has impacted me and I instantly went to lockdown for this.
“I think it’s a great experience. Any opportunities given to me, I usually take and all of them have helped me grow. I just enjoy doing things and learning new things and today is an example of that.
“Everyone here in the College wants me to succeed in life and are very supportive.”
Staff were also full of praise for the students’ efforts and the event. Jez Giddings, Head of the Art and Media department, said of Dylan’s efforts in Digital Video Production:
“Dylan has displayed a wide range of pre production, production and post production skills. He has been on a great journey which started with studying in Junior College where he developed his creative interests and achieved a Distinction in his Creative Diploma.”
Speaking about KFE4Skills and what it brings to students, Jez added: “These opportunities for our students to get out of their home Colleges and their comfort zones, to complete against other young people, is so important for both raising aspirations and developing resilience and confidence.
“These are essential skills which young people need to be successful and gain top jobs in the media industries.”
KFE4Skills aims to celebrate technical excellence and prepare students for industry careers. The live skills competitions are an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their course with judges choosing the top three in each category. Participants gain valuable experience they can put on their CV and finalists can progress to regional and national competitions.
These include WorldSkills UK, and we’re proud that KFE4Skills is endorsed by the WorldSkills UK to empower skills development through competition-based learning. Together, we can raise standards in technical and vocational education, ensuring our students and apprentices are equipped for success in their careers.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part, showcasing not only their technical expertise but also their creativity, teamwork and resilience. Congratulations to all participants.
Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK said: “It is fantastic to be working with East Kent Colleges Group on this exciting new programme.
“Skills competitions are one of the best ways to develop and assess high-quality technical skills and this framework will ensure more students/ apprentices at the College can benefit through competition-based learning which is designed to help meet rapidly changing employer needs in existing and emerging industries.”
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