Two Scottish colleges have topped the medal table at the UK’s national skills finals. City of Glasgow College placed first at WorldSkills UK LIVE, with students achieving four gold, four silver and six bronze medals. Three competitors were highly commended.

New College Lanarkshire came second in the table, with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals, with one student highly commended. Southern Regional College from Northern Ireland placed third in the table at the ceremony in Birmingham tonight, which brings this year’s national competition finals to a close.

Medals were awarded in 70 different skills in total, with over 500 competitors from around the UK competing in areas like mechatronics, restaurant services and painting and decorating. Young people from 115 colleges and providers secured medals or commendations, and winners will get the chance to be considered to represent the UK at international competition. Over 85,000 people pre-registered to attend the three-day skills fest at Birmingham’s NEC.

Skills and apprenticeships minister Anne Milton, who attended the event on Thursday, said WorldSkills UK LIVE was “critical to the future of this nation”. Neil Bentley, chief executive of WorldSkills UK said: “This has been the biggest and best skills event that the UK has ever seen.  Undoubtedly, we have helped change thousands of lives for the better.

“We have brought together governments, business and education to get the message across that gaining a skill will help young people go further, faster. This week proved to be a major milestone in our mission. Engagement between our visitors and our exhibitors this week has been amazing and demonstrates that we are truly a catalyst for change.”

The medal table