University College Isle of Man held it’s annual Skills Test last week, with students from Barbering, Engineering, Catering and Hospitality, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Motor Vehicle, and Construction showcasing their vocational talents.
The week’s activities kicked off on Tuesday with the Barbering Skills Test at the Synnova Training Salon, where the students demonstrated their precision and creativity on live models. The judging panel included Ray Faragher from Sweeney Todd, and Josh Moore and Diane Moore from Renegade Cuts and Clobber. Jai Wyatt won first place, with Joe Price and Corbyn Schade close behind.
On Wednesday, it was the turn of UCM's Engineering students, who showcased their expertise at the Hills Meadow Campus. Guests had the opportunity to watch the budding engineers in action during the day’s events. Taking the top prizes were Dylan Cowin for Manual Turning, David Hathazi for CNC Milling, Josh Taylor for CNC Turning, and winning both Manual Milling and the Best Overall Engineering and Manufacturing student, was Al Patrick.
The excitement continued on Thursday with a packed schedule of events. In the morning, visitors gathered at UCM’s Oastan Training Restaurant to watch Level one, two and three students from the Catering, Hospitality, and Food Service departments take on culinary arts challenges. Level 1 students Emma Callow and Ruby Williamson took first place for their work in the kitchen and bakery, whilst Level 2 student Morgan Edwards was awarded first place from his cohort. Level 3 bakery student Josh Longdon took home the top prize for creating some delicious, sweet treats.
Meanwhile, at the Synnova Training Salon, Hair and Beauty students put their collaborative creativity to the test in an 'Under the Sea' themed competition using live models. The judging panel consisted of industry professionals Gavin Blagbrough and Kimberley Clarke from Wella, and Stacy Chadwick from The Lily Retreat. Hollie Cairney won first place for her intricate ocean themed makeup, with Aimee Corrin and Megan Callin taking second and third place. Rosie Evans took the top spot for her careful attention to detail with her hairdressing skills, closely followed by Lucy Kenyon and Lauren Butler.
Across campus, the Motor Vehicle students engaged in hands on challenges at the William Kennish Campus Motor Vehicle Workshop, which ran throughout the day. In first place was Kieran Halsall, followed by Mitchel Slade and Donal Dooley.
On Friday, UCM's Construction students rounded off the week with a series of challenges spanning Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Plumbing, Horticulture, and Electrical Installation. The Construction department welcomed visitors throughout the day to see the student’s impressive workmanship in action. Brickwork student Freddie Kermode took the top prize, having recently returned from winning first place at the Pan-Island Skills Test in Guernsey. Ben Jones won for Joinery, Rebecca Cregeen for Horticulture, Cameron Thwaites for Electrics, and Harrison Kirk for Plumbing.
Jesamine Kelly, UCM Principal, said “Skills Test provides a valuable opportunity for our students to shine and put their hard-earned skills to the test, allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities in front of family, peers, and the wider community. These events also offer a glimpse into the high level of training that students receive across UCM's vocational programs.
UCM would like to thank all the local businesses who supported this event with prizes and materials, and the industry professionals who spared their time to judge and offer guidance to the students: Renegade Cuts & Clobber, Sweeney Todd, Wella, The Lily Retreat, Robinsons, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Gellings, Isle of Man Creamery, The Gelatory, The Abbey Restaurant, Target Tools, and NK Joinery.