Nearly 100 students at Bolton College are celebrating after successfully participating in the Greater Manchester Colleges Group (GMCG) Skills Competition 2018.

The week-long event saw Bolton College learners battle it out against 10 other colleges, at different locations throughout the North West.

10 different departments, ranging from Catering & Hospitality to Sports & Public Services, showcased their learners’ skills, expertise and talent via a range of tasks specific to their disciplines.

Challenges included body repair for Motor Vehicle students, a dessert bake-off for Catering students, and a balloon shaving competition for Health & Social Care learners.

While all Bolton College competitors benefited from the competition experience, a few high-flyers took the top prize in their respective categories. Kelly Stott, who is studying Level 3 Nails at Bolton College and Kajwan Jabary, who is training to be a barber, both came first.

Kelly used the theme of Greater Manchester to create 10 acrylic false nails, drawing inspiration from iconic landmarks and locations including Deansgate Locks and the Manchester Ship Canal, whilst Kajwan's winning haircut was influenced by the region's historic cotton mill workers.

Other successes included the Health & Social Care and Early Years departments, both finishing in the overall top three, making Bolton the only college to do so. Grace Sinnott and Danielle Naylor, both in their second year of Health & Social Care Level 3 qualifications, also received special recognition for their outstanding contribution to the curriculum tasks.

Other highlights of the week included second place in the 100 metre sprint for Valeria Kolosovska, studying Sports & Public Services, plus three runner-up positions for the College’s Digital & Media learners.

The week ended at the University of Bolton’s Queen’s Campus, where Bolton College hosted the Music & Performing Arts competition.

Taking to the stage were the College’s Performing Arts learners, who performed a dance and then an excerpt from Peter Pan. David Thacker, award-winning director and Professor of Theatre at Bolton University, joined actors Sushil Chudasama and Joel Parry to judge singing, acting and dance.

Andrew Hughes, the College’s Enterprise and Employability Coordinator said, “These collaborative competitions are an excellent way of sharing best practice amongst local colleges and they also help with personal development, equipping learners with the necessary skills and resilience to progress in the competitive world of work.”

Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College added, “We’re committed to giving our learners every opportunity to demonstrate and share their skills. I am very pleased with the effort shown by all of our students, who gave their all in each of the competitions”. 

To view photos from the Music & Performing Arts Competition, please click here.