Our students achieved 10 medals at this year’s KFE4Skills competition, an annual event that brings together learners across Kent and Medway to showcase their technical skills.
Across three days, our students successfully represented the Creative, Trades and Commercial industries, with medals won on each day of the competition.
We caught up with some of our winning students to hear about their favourite moments, what inspired them, and why they’d encourage others to take part in this unique event.
Jack | Carpentry | Gold medal
Jack took part in the Juniors category of the Carpentry competition, where his skill and determination earned him a well‑deserved Gold medal.
During the day, he was challenged to build a wooden structure, which was particularly demanding as the project required multiple joins to be crafted and hidden inside the structure.
To add the challenge, the Juniors were not allowed to use any power tools, instead relying on chisels and handsaws.
Speaking after his win, he said: “It’s quite an achievement and I’m very pleased and happy with how it turned out. There was a lot of tough competition and some parts were challenging, especially not being able to use any power tools.”
“I’d sum up the experience as challenging and fun, 100%.”
Leigh | Hairdressing | Gold medal
One of our adult learners, Leigh, won Gold in the Hairdressing competition, an achievement that left her feeling incredibly proud.
Speaking directly after her win, she said: “I feel amazing! I can’t wait to show my two children at home.”
Leigh took part in the Cut and Blow-Dry category, racing against the clock to precisely cut hair and shape a fashionable style.
Reflecting on the day, she shared that the competition taught her more about her own abilities, explaining: “I’ve learned that I can work under pressure really well. Much better than I initially thought I could.”
Her advice for next year’s entrants is: “Go for it. Don’t worry about whether you’re going to win or not, it’s not about that. Do it to improve your skills and to show yourself that you’re levelling up. That’s what really matters.”
Oscar | Painting and Decorating | Bronze medal
Oscar won Bronze in the Painting and Decorating competition, after taking on a challenging brief that required him to accurately measure out his design, set out each section with precision, and complete the painting under strict time conditions.
Throughout the task, he demonstrated strong control, clean application and attention to detail. All of these are skills he has developed during workshop sessions and the College’s own KFE Construction Heats.
Reflecting on the experience, Oscar said: “It feels pretty good to win and I’ve used several skills as I’ve been measuring, cutting and painting. I’d sum up the contest in three words which are competitive, enjoyable and fun.”
His lecturer, Bruce Kearney, was also in attendance at the KFE4Skills Trades finals, and praised Oscar’s efforts, saying: “It’s great to see the lads like Oscar progress, and they’ve done particularly well at the competition. Oscar is hoping to move into a Painting and Decorating apprenticeships once he finishes College and I know he’ll go far.”
Throughout the KFE4Skills competitions, EKC Folkestone College students collectively won 4 Gold medals, 5 Silver medals and a Bronze medal.
EKC Folkestone College’s KFE4Skills winners:
| Result/Position | Student/Group Name | Skills Competition |
| Gold | Milan | Beauty Therapy – Body |
| Gold | Jack | Carpentry – Juniors |
| Gold | Leigh | Hairdressing |
| Gold | Entry 1 | Inclusive Learning |
| Silver | Izzy | Beauty Therapy – Body |
| Silver | Honey | Beauty Therapy – Hands and Face |
| Silver | Dylan | Digital Video Production |
| Silver | Sophie | Hairdressing |
| Silver | Entry 2 | Inclusive Learning |
| Bronze | Oscar | Painting and Decorating |
For every learner involved, this experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent, boost their confidence and gain invaluable experience to enhance their CVs.
As KFE4Skills is endorsed by WorldSkills UK, winners not only receive a certificate and medal, but also a chance to go onto the prestigious regional and national WorldSkills UK competitions.
Victoria Copp-Crawley, Deputy CEO of East Kent Colleges Group, said about the importance of KFE4Skills:
“Our collaboration with North Kent College and Mid Kent College is so important to us. It really gives us opportunities for our students to work together. It’s a real team effort but it’s about showcasing skills and the amazing talent we have in Kent.
“Our students benefit from skills competitions as they compete at local level, group level and at KFE level. This helps them showcase their skills, showcase their talent and it also builds their confidence. For me the most important thing is that students are proud today of what they’ve achieved and what they’ve done.”
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.
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Construction talent on display at KFE heats as students scoop up six gold medals
