Despite another disrupted year, Cardiff and Vale College successfully competed in Skills Competitions Wales, and even managed to enter new competitions. The college were thrilled to see the construction department involved again, after having to miss out in 2021, and were also pleased about their aeronautical department being involved in this cycle of competitions. Emma Andrews, WorldSkills and Erasmus Officer, said;
“The college has again seen how much the learners enjoy being a part of the competition cycle which is soo positive to see”.
The college recognised that this year brought its own challenges to preparing for the competitions, especially with restrictions changing so close to the competition start date. However, Cardiff and Vale college thrive on the pressure and being involved with the preparation and planning, not only for their own college, but also as leads on some of the competitions. Internally, the college does a great deal of work promoting the benefits of competing, and hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of students, tutors, and employers to take part.
Cardiff and the Vale college see the real value in these competitions for the learners, tutors and the college as a whole. They feel all learners that take part in competitions gain different benefits, such as technical knowledge and skills, however, they also gain the softer skills that come along with competitions.
In addition, the college feels that tutors benefit greatly from being part of competitions, from the experience of stretching and developing the learners, to the opportunity to network and learn from other colleges in Wales. Emma Andrews also stated;
“The opportunities provided alongside the competitions for tutors is brilliant, and the Masterclasses are additional valuable opportunities for the tutors to develop and broaden their skills”
CAVC feel this is an excellent additional opportunity to offer prospective learners that may be considering the college for their further education. They feel that these competitions provide an opportunity to showcase the hard work carried out by the tutors and the ability of the learners.
The college were thrilled to find out they had been selected as one of the satellite centres to be part of the Skills Competitions Wales 2022 celebration event. They felt that this opportunity to bring all of the campuses together and showcase the achievements of all that have taken part in the competitions, could not be missed.
Cardiff and the Vale College felt that the celebration event is a perfect way to round up the success story that they have had at competitions within the past 2 years. They went on to say;
"It is fantastic to finally highlight the success from competitions in a more celebratory way, rather than providing staff and learners with staff. We can really celebrate and shine a spotlight on the achievements within the college."
CAVC believes that if other colleges have any doubts about hosting a watch party, or even applying to a satellite centre, then they should really just jump right in and give it a go, it is definitely going to be worth it.
Finally Cardiff and the Vale would like to finish by providing this message to all that have taken part in the competitions this year;
“Good Luck to everyone that has taken part in this year's competitions. We are so proud of you whatever the outcome. It has been a pleasure for us to share and be part of your journey, and we are very much looking forward to celebrating with you all on the 17th”.