Derby College Group students shine at first ever SkillsFest inter-college competition

Credit: DCG

Students from Derby College Group (DCG) have showcased their talent and technical expertise at the first-ever SkillsFest inter-college competition, held at Chesterfield College’s Infirmary Road campus.

More than 200 students from Derby College Group, Burton and South Derbyshire College and Chesterfield College went head-to-head across 24 skill-packed competition categories, demonstrating the incredible talent developing across the region’s further education sector.

The inaugural event, organised and hosted by Chesterfield College, brought together learners from across a wide range of disciplines, from construction and engineering to creative industries, hospitality and health.

Students competed in Brickwork, Joinery, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Construction Multi Skills, Fabrication and Welding, Mechanical Engineering Milling, Mechanical Engineering Turning, Automotive, Business, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Professional Cookery, Sport, Public Services, Travel and Tourism, Art and Design, Performing Arts, Music, Media, Games Design, Health, Childcare, Digital and Foundation Studies.

The three colleges delivered students delivered an outstanding performance, and Derby College Group students did particularly well across several disciplines, securing victories in Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Mechanical Engineering, Turning, Automotive, Sport, Music and Foundation Studies.

The winning Derby College Group students and teams were:

• Plumbing – Sam Kerk
• Electrical Installation – Nathan Burton
• Mechanical Engineering Turning – Alistair Barron
• Automotive – Archie Collins
• Sport – Derby College team
• Music – Willow Millard
• Foundation Studies – Team Derby

All competitors demonstrated impressive talent, commitment and teamwork throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of collaboration while showcasing the very best of further education.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College Group, said: “To host the first ever competition of this annual SkillsFest is a massive honour and I’m delighted, not just with how well today has gone, but also with how well each competitor has represented their college. They really are a testament to the amazing further education sector. To see so many unbelievable skills from the next generation on display all at once was something to behold and it is so inspiring to see the upcoming talent pool in every sector.”

Heather Kelly, Deputy CEO at Derby College Group, commented: “Days like SkillsFest truly capture what further education is all about. Our students have demonstrated not only exceptional technical ability, but also resilience, professionalism and pride in their craft. To see them competing alongside their peers from across the region, pushing themselves and supporting one another, has been incredibly inspiring.

“Competitions like this give students the chance to showcase their talents in a real-world environment, build confidence and recognise just how far they have come. We are immensely proud of every Derby College student who took part today. They represent the future workforce of our region and the future is in very safe hands.

“I would also like to say a massive thank you to Chesterfield College for the huge amount of work that went into organising and hosting the very first SkillsFest. They created a fantastic event that celebrated skills, collaboration and friendly competition and made it a great day for everyone involved.”

The event took place during Colleges Week, a national celebration of further education and the important role colleges play in developing the skilled workforce of the future.

Following the success of the inaugural competition, the colleges are already looking ahead to future SkillsFest events that will continue to celebrate and develop the next generation of skilled professionals.