Gold medal haul for City at Worldskills’ Finals

City of Glasgow College has scooped five gold medals at this year’s WorldSkills National Finals.

The 27-strong team of students from Scotland’s Super College competed across 15 different disciplines achieving five gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive, City of Glasgow College, said:

“I am both proud and delighted that the hard work of our students, their coaches and lecturers has paid off. Our College won the largest number of gold medals overall, an exceptional achievement, particularly given the challenging circumstances caused by the ongoing pandemic.

“As Ambassador for WorldSkills in Scotland, I firmly believe these competitions improve skills levels, deliver economic growth, and help equip our students with the expertise and experience they need for the world of work.”

HND Culinary Art student, Gabriela Kulesza, who won gold for culinary art, was excited to win, saying:

“Taking part in these competitions has been an incredible experience. So many people helped me, and I thank them all. I am now in my last year of college and plan to go on and do a Masters of Gastronomy at Queen Margaret University next year.”

Margaret Darroch, Head of the College’s WorldSkills Academy, said:

“It’s been fantastic to have the national finals back. I’ve been blown away by our students’ hard work, commitment, and relentless enthusiasm. They are all worthy finalists, deserving of their moment in the spotlight, and I am so happy for them that their outstanding efforts have been well rewarded.”

A virtual medal ceremony was broadcast live on Channel 4, hosted by Stephanie McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio, which announced all the medal winners. The ceremony was also streamed live on the WorldSkills UK website and the college held a ‘Watch Party’ at its City campus lecture theatre where students, coaches and trainers gathered to learn the results.

The students competed in core disciplines including 3D Digital Game Art, Digital  Media Production, Wall and Floor tiling, Culinary Art, and Network Infrastructure Technician. 

The National Finals this year took place in 22 different locations across the country with City of Glasgow College hosting confectionery and patisserie, culinary arts, and restaurant service.

Team City medal winners are:

Gold:

Alex McCathie          Restaurant Service

Gabriela Kulesza     Culinary Art

Flynn Smith              Digital Media Production

Nathaniel Gray         Digital Media Production

Jack Houston           Digital Media Production

Joshua Valenti         Digital Media Production

Antony Lockhart       IT Software Solutions for Business

Elvijs Dovans            3D Digital Game Art

Silver:

Anna Crowley           Fitness Trainer

Christopher Parry     Wall and Floor Tiling

Bronze:

Kieran Winstone      Network Infrastructure Technician

Jamie Maitland         Network Infrastructure Technician