This week, our 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 nine of our apprentices competing in a range of skills competitions including Horticulture, Site Carpentry, Painting and Decorating, Brickwork and Automotive Technology across three days.
Jacob Loveridge | Bricklaying
In his first year of apprenticeship, Jacob wowed the judges with his attention to detail, time management and skill development, as he won Gold in the Bricklaying competition.
Jacob was challenged against the clock to build a free-standing brick wall, with his work ethic praised.
Speaking during the event, Jacob said: “The build is interesting and its quite challenging using new materials, but it feels really good to be in the finals. It’s a great environment and my College lecturers have come down with me to show their support. I’m hoping after my apprenticeship I’ll be able to run my own firm one day.”
Romy Miles | Painting and Decorating
Romy is a Painting and Decorating apprentice, studying one day a week alongside paid employment at WW Martin.
Alongside fellow apprentices, she was tasked with painting, decorating and designing a wall to a specific brief, focusing on colours, linework and time management. Thanks to her efforts, Romy received a Bronze medal.
Speaking during the contest, she said:
“I’ve found the pressure and time constraint quite daunting but it good to try and push yourself out of your comfort zone. I competed last year and was gutted not to place in the top three so I figured I’d try again this year. I’m competitive so really wanted to push myself and prove to myself that I could do it.
“I think this competition helps students to build confidence. It’s also a chance to practise your skills.”
Tim Lee-Alliston | Site Carpentry
Tim’s task during KFE4Skills was to build a roof to scale, focusing on cutting and sawing skills. For his efforts, Tim won a Silver medal, and is hoping that this experience is the first of many to help him grow his skillset in Carpentry.
Tim said: “It’s great experience, and it’s a good thing to put on my CV in the future. I’m always learning and whenever I’m doing something like this it’s a new learning experience. I just want to be the best carpenter around, and the College have shown me how to do just that.”
Layton Read | Automotive Technology
Layton was challenged in a round-robin style competition, taking part in four tasks over the course of the day. These were focused on inspecting a full braking system, and diagnosing faults including abnormal tyre wear, a misfire and a charging system fault.
For his work, Layton received a Bronze medal. He chose to go into the Automotive industry after following his dad’s footsteps, and loved that KFE4Skills was an opportunity for him to showcase what he could do.
Layton commented: “I’m very happy to be taking part today. It is a bit stressful with so many tasks but it’s also very exciting. My takeaway is that jobs aren’t as simple as they may seem, but it’s how you prepare that matters.”
Lucy McLeod, Deputy CEO of East Kent Colleges Group said about the benefits of KFE4Skills:
“It’s quite unique across the UK that the three College groups in Kent work so closely together. This skills competition is one part of that partnership.
“Preparing for these competitions is a really good life skill. The confidence you can see that grows in the students when they win is fantastic.”
EKC Training medallists
| Result/Position | Student Name | Skills Competition | Employer |
| Gold | Jacob Loveridge | Bricklaying | Miller Brickwork |
| Gold | Max Still | Site Carpentry | Goldney Carpentry |
| Silver | Tim Lee-Alliston | Site Carpentry | SJC Improvements |
| Silver | Katie Green | Painting and Decorating | Facelift UPVC |
| Bronze | Romy Miles | Painting and Decorating | WW Martin |
| Bronze | Layton Read | Automotive Technology | Wye Motors |
Imogen Robinson, Deputy Director for Apprenticeships and Supported Internships at EKC Training commented: “Witnessing our students compete in the KFE Competition finals and showcase their skills was incredibly inspiring. The concentration in the workshops was palpable as the students worked diligently to meet the specs within the time constraints.
“Congratulations to all the participants for their remarkable achievements, and well done to everyone who placed! A huge thank you to everyone involved in planning and organising the day, and for making it such a success.”
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.”
Explore our Apprenticeships.
More articles
Insider knowledge: speaking with Plumbing Apprentices
Studying at EKC Plumbing and Electrical Training Centre – Michelle Moorhead
