Every year, hundreds of learners from East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), North Kent College and MidKent College go head-to-head in KFE4Skills – a vibrant showcase of the best in vocational talent across the county.
Organised by Kent Further Education, KFE4Skills is officially endorsed by WorldSkills UK, the global skills movement championing excellence in technical education. Students compete across a wide range of disciplines, including Trades, Creative Industries and Professional Services, putting their training to the test against peers from across Kent.
This year’s three-day event was hosted across EKC Canterbury College, North Kent College’s Tonbridge Campus, and MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus, with EKC Group ultimately taking home the overall title with an impressive 43 medals.
Victoria Copp-Crawley, Deputy CEO of EKC Group, said: “Our collaboration with our KFE partners gives great opportunities for our students to work together, and it allows us to really make sure that we’re celebrating skills across Kent.
“Our students benefit massively from skills competitions, it’s not all about winning, but the lead up gives them a chance to compete at a local level, a Group level and then KFE level.
“It really helps them to showcase their skills, showcase their talent, and build their confidence.”
Leah Rhodes, who competed in the Public Services category, said taking part made her proud to represent her college.
She added: “KFE4Skills is important because it gets a lot of young people who are interested in the same careers together, and it’s really nice to get the opportunity to talk to them to find out what they’re interested in.
“Competitions like this give you an opportunity to see what it’s going to be like once you go into your chosen industry.”
For once a positive competition, in the real world, linked to real jobs in Thanet.