BLOG: How I coached learners to the WorldSkills Final!
WorldSkills recently announced the finalists of 2023, including 3 Weston College learners from Digital, Floristry and Catering. This is an incredible achievement for the learners and the college, and it would not have been possible without the immense support from the staff who entered their students into the competition.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jo Matthews, the floristry lecturer who has successfully guided one of her learners, Sarah, to the final!
Here’s what Jo had to say:
“My name is Jo, and I am currently a Floristry Lecturer running a part time introductory 6-week course aimed at students who are interested in moving on to a formal qualification. The short courses range from compete beginners to individuals who have experience for advanced workshops. I am also overseeing a City and Guild Level Two Floristry course which this year has followed onto City and Guilds Level Three.
“I have worked in the industry for several decades as an independent florist and in teaching which has given me a wealth of knowledge. It has given me a solid foundation of technical skills which are the building blocks for a career.
“This is the first year I put learners forward for WorldSkills, and two entered. The initial stage of the competitions was to submit photographic evidence of a sustainable wreath. If successful, you would progress onto the National selection. I am pleased to say both students reached the Nationals.
“After this, they were set another task which took them to the next heat and were also asked to complete a further two designs at the venue – a hand-tied hostess and a table design for a VIP reception – both students had received excellent feedback.
“Students had to wait four weeks to find out the outcome. Sarah reached the final and Tessa has been put on the reserve list. I am incredibly proud of their success.
“The next stage for Sarah is to start the process of building and expanding her skills to ensure that she can be the best and to achieve more than she thought possible. For me, I will provide a mentorship to ensure that Sarah is competition ready.
“I feel incredibly proud of both students who took the opportunity to complete they both took on this even though they had incredible busy working lives.
“After having had the opportunity to take part in many competitions myself, representing and winning regional and national competitions, as well as traveling to an international competition. It has given me confidence and valued the experience which I have carried through my working life. I am sure that Sarah and Tess will have learnt a lot from this process to date and I will watch on in anticipation to see where their journey takes them as I know this is just the beginning.”
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at our award-winning college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education to students and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at our award-winning college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education to students and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
