Over the last 4 months, 1,450 students from colleges and sixth forms across the country have taken part in The National Skills Challenge, sponsored by Staffordshire University London. As part of their sponsorship, Staffordshire University London fully funded a selection of colleges and sixth forms to take part in the challenge to ensure the opportunity was made widely available. The challenge has seen students work in teams to create a concept for an open world game which must have a clear link to a ride or event at Thorpe Park resort. Throughout participants were able to develop key employability skills such as creativity and leadership.
This year’s final was particularly exciting as it was the first in person National Skills Challenge final since the pandemic. The atmosphere was electric, and the student’s excitement was palpable throughout the event.
The Grand Finals event took place at Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Staffordshire University London’s campus, with 17 teams competing to be crowned 2022 champions! Students presented their ideas to guest judges in the morning, with successful teams going on to present in the afternoon’s Grand Final event in front of a panel of experts and their peers. Entrepreneur Louis Barnett also provided a keynote speech to the students ensuring that students were inspired and raring to go for their judging slots.
It is no secret that the standard of presentations increases each year, and this year was no exception. The judges were blown away with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by each of the teams and after a tense judge’s deliberation, team Pragmatism from Morley College were crowned the National Skills Challenge champions for 2022.
Liam Brookes, Delivery Manager at The Inspirational Learning group, said, “Each year The National Skills Challenge goes from strength to strength and it is fantastic to see the quality of student ideas and presentation increase. We’d like to thank Staffordshire University London for sponsoring the challenge and enabling young people to engage with this incredible project”.
Head of Recruitment and Outreach for Staffordshire University London, Sammy Engele commented, “We have been delighted to work with The Inspirational Learning Group for the third year running with the National Skills Challenge. Since we began working with TILG, this programme has been delivered to over 3,000 and it has been a real pleasure to visit the colleges and sixth forms taking part in the challenge and engage with the pupils. Thank you to all students who have engaged with the challenge”.
Natalie Dilloway, Head of Marketing for Thorpe Park Resort also added, “Wow, what a day! I was taken aback with the students innovative and imaginative ideas, they are a real credit to their colleges and sixth forms. A huge congratulations to each student who took part!”.
