Students and apprentices from across the country took over Teesside in a prestigious skills competition that could help their careers take off.

Middlesbrough College was chosen as one of seven host destinations for WorldSkills UK’s National Skills Competition, which saw finalists compete in a host of disciplines including 3D Digital Game Art, Cyber Security, Digital Construction and Mechanical Engineering.

As well as boosting their skills and confidence, competitors who impressed under the pressure of a national final now have the chance to represent the UK at the ‘Skills Olympics’ in France in 2024.

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Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College Group, said: “It was incredible to welcome more than 80 competitors from colleges, universities and private training providers across the country to our state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Middlesbrough.

“It was an honour to be chosen by WorldSkills UK as one of only a handful of hosts for its national finals, and represent the Tees Valley and wider North East on a national stage.

“Once again, it demonstrates our commitment to promoting excellence and raising the aspirations of young people in our region and beyond. It’s also testament to our own skills provision, especially in sectors such as digital, construction and engineering."

Alongside the drama of the competition, Middlesbrough College hosted its own events, providing careers advice and giving visitors the opportunity to talk to employers and industry experts from across the region.

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the world-class facilities right here on the doorstep and it’s great WorldSkills UK chose Middlesbrough College as one of its host Colleges.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re providing young people from our region with the aspiration and the opportunity to develop their skills and carve out fantastic careers."

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