Students impress industry leaders

31st March 2015

Hundreds of students got the chance to showcase their skills in front of industry leaders recently at Barking & Dagenham College?s annual skills celebration event, Inspiration 2015.

The event invites students to enter a range of competitions, many of which are hosted and judged by industry experts. This year, over 120 students competed in more than 12 challenges including a hi-tech Raspberry Pi Jam designing a new smart phone app, a video challenge for TV and film produciton students, through to brickwork, plastering, painting and decorating and beauty therapy competitions.

Cathy Walsh OBE, Principal and CEO of Barking & Dagenham College said:

“This is the third year we have held an Inspiration event and each year it has got bigger and better. Employers join us to talent spot for apprentices for their business, judge the competitors work and this year many have approached me to say how impressed they are with our students’ technical abilities and employability skills.

“Industry-supported competitions definitely drive up standards and help our students to understand how they need to perform in the workplace. Inspiration 2015 is an extended skills assessment opportunity for both students and employers."

Inspiration 2015 employer partners and sponsors included Metro Bank – which judged the Metro Bank Challenge, where students came up with inovative ideas for future banks - Pimlico Plumbers, Estee Lauder, Gojimo, Dulux, VINCI Facilities, Swift Brickwork, Macs Plasterboard Systems and Jewson.

Students appreciated the chance to show what they could do. Adeel Fareed, 18, from Upton Park, who was part of the winning team in the construction management challenge, said:

“Competitions really help us. We are expected to perform in front of people from the industry which is scary but also helps to build our confidence. It’s a great opportunity.”