Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) is celebrating the success of Brickwork student Tim Freeman, who achieved a commendable runner-up position in the recent South West Skills (SWS) Challenge Construction event at Yeovil College.
This achievement builds upon BTC’s strong participation and recognition within the newly established SWS Challenge series, which previously saw BTC Hair & Beauty Therapy students secure accolades.
The SWS Challenge series, designed to enhance technical skills and prepare students for future employment and competitions, successfully launched earlier in the academic year.
These events cover various sectors and industries – including Hair & Beauty, Construction, Health & Social Care, Sport, and more – provide a valuable platform for students to test their technical abilities and develop crucial confidence for their future careers.
Following the success of BTC’s Hair & Beauty students, who impressed judges and returned with well-earned accolades, Tim has now demonstrated the high calibre of talent within the College’s Construction department – earning a joint first-place on points, with a technicality leaving him in second place.
Tim’s runner-up position in the Brickwork element of the Construction challenge underscores the importance of hands-on experience and the ability to apply learned techniques under pressure; crucial attributes for success in the Construction industry.
Participating in competitions like the SWS Challenge series offers invaluable opportunities for students, moving beyond workshops and classrooms to execute tasks and solve problems in real-world simulations. This process helps develop crucial employability skills, such as teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and communication.
Furthermore, students often receive constructive feedback from industry professionals who act as judges, offering important insights and guidance. The events also facilitate networking opportunities with peers and educators from other institutions, fostering a broader understanding of the skills landscape within the South West.
Mark Hopkinson, Course Leader at BTC, commented,
We are incredibly proud of Tim’s achievement in the SWS Challenge series. His runner-up position is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the excellent teaching and resources available at BTC. His success here is an enriching experience, and has allowed Tim to hone his skills, build confidence, and gain a competitive edge. Congratulations, Tim!
BTC remains committed to its involvement in the South West Skills Challenge. This ongoing participation underscores BTC’s dedication to providing students with practical experience and opportunities to excel, effectively preparing them for their next steps – no matter what they may be.
For more information on future events and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.
