Two talented Newcastle College students have secured places in the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals, showcasing exceptional skills and dedication to their training.  

Kaidan Heath will compete in the 3D Digital Game Art competition, while Hector Gheorghe has secured a place in the Foundation Skills: Health & Social Care final, after they impressed the judges at regional heats earlier this year.  

WorldSkills UK is the nation’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event, bringing together learners from across the country to compete to be the best in their chosen field.   

Dubbed the ‘Skills Olympics', the competition is designed by industry experts to help upskill and develop young people from all backgrounds and abilities. Competitors take part in regional heats to win a place in the UK final where they test their talents on a national stage, and winners can secure a place in Team UK, with the opportunity to compete internationally.  

Bryan Robson, Advanced Technical Lecturer in Digital Technologies at Newcastle College, said: "Kaidan is an exceptionally motivated and talented student with a real passion for 3D modelling, while also excelling across every aspect of games development.  

"Over the past two years, he has developed an impressive level of technical skill, and he is constantly looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve.  

"I'm incredibly proud that he will be representing Newcastle College at the WorldSkills UK National Finals. It's a fantastic achievement and one he thoroughly deserves."  

Tracey Miller, Lecturer in Health and Science at Newcastle College, said: "Hector is a personable, committed and highly motivated young man who consistently gives one hundred per cent in everything he does.  

"He enters every class with an infectious smile and demonstrates a high level of maturity, professionalism, and dedication to his studies. As a male student in a predominantly female sector, Hector brings valuable diversity and a unique perspective to the learning environment.  

"Hector's commitment to the WorldSkills qualifying competition was particularly evident when he participated from Europe while on holiday, demonstrating exceptional determination and enthusiasm for the opportunity.  

"As a team, we are incredibly proud of Hector and are excited to see him compete in the WorldSkills UK National Finals. We have every confidence that he will be an outstanding ambassador for both the College and the Health and Social Care sector." 

Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, said: “Reaching the WorldSkills UK National Finals is a brilliant achievement and deserved recognition of the commitment, hard work and ability Kaidan and Hector have demonstrated.  

“At WorldSkills Kaidan and Hector will test themselves against elite practitioners in their field at this level from across the country. Kaidan and Hector go to the finals with the best wishes of everyone from Newcastle College.”  

Both Kaidan and Hector will compete at the WorldSkills UK finals in November. Kaidan will visit University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea for the 3D Digital Game Art final, while Cardiff and Vale College will host the Health & Social Care: Foundation Skills final where Hector will compete.