How does it feel to take part in a WorldSkills UK competition on a national and international level? We caught up with some past competitors to find out.
Yogdip Raghvani
IT Director, Anantek Solutions Limited
Yogdip Raghvani, 26, won a gold medal for Web Development and Mobile Robotics at the 2013 national finals. He is now IT Director at Anantek Solutions Limited.
Why did you take part in the competitions?
I have always been competitive, so when the opportunity to compete at a national level arose at college, I loved the idea. I knew it wouldn’t be easy and I put in lots of extra hours of practice, but I hoped being part of it would help me stand out to employers and universities.
How was the event?
Nerve-racking, but I knew I was part of something remarkable. It gave me real-world experience and a taste of what it’d be like to pursue a career in mobile robotics and web development.
How did it feel to win gold?
Winning gold felt good, knowing my hard work and determination had paid off. Receiving my medal on stage with my family and friends in the crowd of thousands was very memorable.
How have the competitions helped you and would you recommend them to others?
It is an amazing opportunity. It gave me a huge confidence boost, especially when speaking in public. It has since allowed me work and transform many businesses. I’ve also been able to share my journey with college students across the UK. My advice to the next set of winners is to use the recognition to standout against the rest of the crowd. It will give you great credibility in a crowded market. Keep pushing yourself and never settle.
The coolest thing though was meeting people from all around the world and different walks of life.
Kerris Boulton
Employer Engagement Manager, SETA Training & Advisory Services
Kerris Boulton, 27, won a silver medal in Electronics at the national competitions 2018. She is now Employer Engagement Manager at SETA Training & Advisory Services.
Why did you take part in the competitions?
I was an apprentice at the University of Manchester and my coordinator approached me about taking part. I was apprehensive but wanted to prove to myself and others what I could achieve and push myself out of my comfort zone.
How was the event?
Nothing prepares you for the atmosphere of the live event. I didn’t realise just how big it was and what it meant to get to the nationals. You go through a range of emotions but there are so many people to encourage and support you. It was unforgettable.
How did it feel to win silver?
I didn’t really think about the results – I was just so pleased that I’d taken part and pushed myself, so it took a while to sink in. I think I was more nervous receiving my medal than I had been throughout the competition.
How have the competitions helped you and would you recommend them to others?
100% – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It isn’t about the winning, it really is about the taking part: showcasing your current skills and gaining more along the way. It has undoubtedly helped get me where I am today: boosting my motivation, confidence and skills. Since competing my career has gone to another level.
Robyn Hadland
Quality Assurance Engineer, Toyota
Robyn Hadland, 28, was awarded a medallion for excellence in Mechatronics at WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015. She is now quality assurance engineer at Toyota
How did you become part of Team UK?
I first learnt about the competitions when I worked on Toyota’s stall at the Skills Show in 2013, talking about my apprenticeship. I went on to take part in a squad selection event which led to me becoming part of Team UK for the international competition in Sao Paulo.
How was the event?
Great fun. Everyone was super excited on the way over. I had no idea how big the event was until I got into the arena – the opening ceremony was like the Olympics. The coolest thing though was meeting people from all around the world and different walks of life. It’s hard to judge how well you’ve done at the time so when my teammate and I heard we had a medallion for excellence I was overjoyed and proud.
How have the competitions helped you and would you recommend them to others?
Definitely. I was still in my apprenticeship at the time, it gave me a massive confidence boost and improved my soft skills. It is also a chance to experience something extraordinary. How many people can say they’ve represented their country in an international competition? I’ve had some brilliant opportunities since, including being sponsored through my degree by Toyota. If you do take part, then make the most of every moment and opportunity.