Posted: 05/09/13
Students’ talents to go national
Two students at West Nottinghamshire College are celebrating after securing places at the national finals of the UK’s premier skills competition
Holistic therapy student Deanna Pitacco, 35, has secured a place in the World Skills UK aromatherapy competition, while 17-year-old IT student George Morris will be putting his IT skills to the test in the Microsoft Network Administrator World Skills UK competition.
Both students will be competing in the World Skills UK competitions at The Skills Show, which is the UK’s biggest skills and careers event that aims to inspire the young skilled stars of the future. It is being held at the NEC Birmingham between 14 and 16 November.
Working on a real-life model, Deanna, from South Normanton, will have an hour and a half to carry out a full consultation in order to formulate a treatment plan, create two blends of oils for a client’s condition, deliver a full aromatherapy massage treatment and provide her model with after-care advice.
Deanna, who worked in the motor trade in her native South Africa, re-trained in holistic and beauty therapies after moving to the UK with her family five years ago.
She has completed the Level 3 Certificate in Holistic Therapies and has had extra support sessions from her tutor Caroline Bradley who worked with her on a one-to-one basis to polish her skills and expertise.
Church Warsop resident George, a student on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (Networking and System Support), came first in the Microsoft Network Administrator competition heats earlier this year.
He was challenged to develop a virtual network, configure user accounts and create security policies and he beat off rivals from other East Midlands’ colleges at the regional heats held at Luton’s Barnfield College.
Principal Asha Khemka OBE said: “This is the third year running that the college’s computer science students have scored a first place in the regional heats. It’s wonderful to hear that our holistic therapies curriculum is also sending a student on to the finals as well.
“This is testimony to all the hard work that students and staff have put in throughout the last academic year and I’m looking forward to hearing of further success at the national finals.”
More about The Skills Show
The Skills Show is a unique annual celebration that inspires people with exciting opportunities in further education, skills and Apprenticeships. It is the culmination of many WorldSkills UK skills competitions, awards and activities. It provides a platform for the best of the nation’s young talent to perform, as well as providing opportunities for visitors to have a go at new skills, get careers advice and access Apprenticeships or real job opportunities from employers. The show is premier sponsored by City & Guilds, with support and funding from The Skills Funding Agency, European Social Fund and the National Apprenticeship Service.
