College hosts Mechanical Engineering regional finals
Gower College Swansea recently played host to the SkillsCompetition Wales final for Mechanical Engineering (CAD).
Students from across Wales converged at the Gorseinon campus on 17 March, where they were given practical tasks to complete under the watchful eye of a panel of judges drawn from education and industry.
The competition tested certain competencies that are essential for a CAD designer. These included 3D modeling, producing assemblies, applying materials and creating 2D technical drawings. Students were also tested on their ICT, numeracy and problem solving skills.
“The competitors were all either working towards - or had recently gained - their Level 3 qualifications and were asked to undertake specific skills tests associated with sector requirements,” says Coral Planas, Curriculum Leader for Engineering Technology.
Competitors represented Gower College Swansea, Coleg Sir Gâr, NPTC Group, Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Coleg y Cymoedd.
The winners named on the day were Alex Dighton from Coleg y Cymoedd (Gold), Joseph Dickerson from Gower College Swansea (Silver) and Rhys Samuel from NPTC Group (Bronze).
“We had a great day and I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who supported us,” adds Coral. “Our fantastic sponsors - TWI, Quartzelec, Express Metals and Mechatronics - who provided prizes, Mike Westlake from Autodesk and, of course, lecturers and competition coordinators Mark Row and Huw Issac.”
SkillsCompetition Wales consists of around 30 local skills competitions, funded by the Welsh Government and run by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations. SkillsCompetition Wales forms part of the Welsh Government’s Growth and Sustainable Jobs programme, and aims to raise the profile of skills in Wales.
The Creating Team Wales project delivers and promotes SkillsCompetitions in Wales on behalf of the Skills Champions Network, a group of training providers from across Wales that are committed to engaging and supporting competitors to achieve and succeed, which is led and administered by Coleg Sir Gâr.