title Inclusive Skills Competitions

This workshop explores the idea of skills competitions for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities, with the view to Natspec colleges moving the idea forward nationally.

The story so far… UK Skills, as part of the Skills Funding Agency, champion training and development through the running of Awards and Competitions. However, currently there is little which is accessible for young people with learning difficulties. One outcome of the current work of UK Skills is to produce the team that will represent the UK at World Skills level. The next World Skills event will be held in London, October 2011.

The story so far… At Derwen College we are excited by the idea of competitions as we believe that our learners can and should benefit from the opportunity to excel in their vocational field. Today I want to share our experiences with you and gather your thoughts. “ To have our students competing nationally would truly reflect the students’ training and develop their confidence to be able to compete at a national level.” College Acting Principal 28/6/10.

The story so far… Derwen Restaurant Service Skills competition - March Two groups of four students completed an Advanced Service Skills module over the course of a term. At the end of the term each student entered the first heat of the competition, serving lunch to their personal tutors.

The story so far… The ‘heat’ winners went through to the final, whereby they each served four work experience providers. This was judged by two local restaurateurs.

“ I just want to say what a privilege it has been for me to be involved in your competition today. I can only compliment the lecturers who worked with the students to get them to such a high standard and the students for their achievements.” Competition Judge 19/3/10 “I really enjoyed it, I was able to do things that I didn’t know I could.” Jodie 19/3/10 Once again many thanks to you all and I look forward to further developing our ongoing relationship at the Canal Wharf Visitor Centre ………. Well done.” Work Experience provider and guest 20/3/10

The story so far… Team Clean A team of two students and two staff from Derwen College have entered Asset Skills’ Team Clean Challenge. The first rounds of the competition take place across the UK between April and June. Team Derwen will be competing on the 10 th June at Birmingham Metropolitan College. The team are currently working through their scheme of learning which covers the competition criteria.

Team Clean - Derwen Sparklers

The story so far… Derwen College will be hosting a National Art Competition, which will be open to all Natspec colleges.

The story so far… National Art Competition The plan May 2011 – The competition brief will be sent to all Natspec colleges. December 2011 – We are hoping to receive in the region of 100 photographs of entries. The panel of judges will shortlist to 50 and the artists will be asked to send framed artwork to Derwen College. January to March All shortlisted pieces will be exhibited in Derwen College’s Gallery March 2012 – Derwen college will host a presentation evening in their Gallery. All short listed artists will be invited to attend, with a guest. Three judges will decide on and announce the three winning pieces. May 2012 onwards – The three winning pieces will be on display at a high profile art gallery.

Moving Forward… Group work to gather your thoughts Ideas Potential issues/barriers Feedback to whole group

The International Picture Abilympics – Work Skill Olympics for People with Disabilities 1972, Japan hosted the Olympics of Abilities, the aim being to improve the vocational abilities of persons with disabilities, and help them to reach their highest potential. 1981, first international Abilympics held in Tokyo. The success has led to the continuation of Abilympics which is now held every four years. September 2011, Korea.

Interested? The options… Form a working group to move forward Express an interest today Take my Take a copy of the art competition brief