Isabelle awarded bronze at World Skills UK Finals 2022
Boston College Health and Social Care Learner Isabelle has been awarded bronze in the Health and Social Care category at the World Skills UK Final 2022.
The World Skills UK competition is designed by industry experts, and assesses an individual’s knowledge, practical skills, and employability attributes. This years’ competition saw 500 learners across 63 skills come together at six different colleges to compete for gold in the final. Boston College was immensely proud to have been represented by two Health and Social Care Learners, Isabelle Hughes-Fletcher and Ellena Thornalley, who secured their places in this years’ final by scoring highly in the National Qualifiers and went on to compete against six others at Cardiff and Vale College on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th November.
During the two-day final, Isabelle and Ellena were given six scenarios, which were acted out by actors, and they had to use their practical skills and knowledge to react to each situation and provide professional care as if it was real-life. They were then marked on how well they dealt with each situation, with judges then selecting 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Boston College held a World Skills ‘Watch Party’ on Friday 25th November, where members of Isabelle’s and Ellena’s families joined College staff including the Health and Social Care Department to watch TV journalist, Steph McGovern, announce the World Skills UK Final winners via a live broadcast from her Packed Lunch Studio.
Isabelle and Ellena, who are both currently in the second year of the Level 3 Health and Social Care Extended Diploma, were chosen by their tutor to enter the competition. Speaking of her competition success, Isabelle said, “I am delighted to have been awarded bronze in the final – it’s been a very long and hardworking experience with a rewarding result. I am thankful for the help and support I have received from my lecturers throughout the competition.”
Ruth Catlett, Health and Social Care Lecturer, attended the World Skills UK Final with Isabelle and Ellena and spoke for the whole of the department saying, “We are thoroughly proud of Isabelle’s and Ellena’s amazing achievements! Within the competition both finalists were already competing against students from higher level courses as well as individuals that are already in full time employment. We are pleased to be able to offer students a rich, learning experience that draws on the industry relevant, specialist skills and expertise of the team, providing every opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge they need for employment, and Isabelle and Ellena have certainly embraced every single opportunity to the full. As a college, we strive to nurture all individual’s strengths and talents to ensure that they achieve their full potential, and by entering Isabelle and Ellena into the World Skills competition it has really helped them both to develop their skills and demonstrate what exceptional students they are.”
Following her success at the final, Isabelle is now awaiting her final score which could earn her a place to compete internationally as part of Squad UK.
If Isabelle and Ellena’s achievements have inspired you to explore a career in Health and Social Care, visit the Health and Social Care page find out more about courses at Boston College.