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Care workers win gold in tough London final
Bronze medal winner Lindsay Giess, Silver medal winners Laura McKay and Philomena McCormick, Gold medal winner Chantelle Challender and Skills Academy Chairman David Sherlock.
Last week care workers from all over the UK came to London to showcase their skills in the WorldSkills UK Caring Competition final. The exciting event was hosted by the National Skills Academy for Social Care at Coin Street Community Centre with ten skilled care workers competing in devised role-play scenarios. Having travelled from the Midlands the winner of the competition was Chantelle Challender, deputy manager of Glenthorne house who was praised by judges for going above and beyond the usual standards of care delivery. Chantelle said “I can’t believe it, I was really nervous today. My family will be really proud of me. I’m so happy.”
Caring Competition Finalists with Skills Academy chairman David Sherlock.
Jennifer Bernard, lead judge, commented that “the standard was so high we were thrilled to have to present both Laura McKay and Philomena McCormick with silver medals”. Bronze went to Lindsay Giess from Shropshire, with two Highly Commended certificates also being awarded to Bradley Brandon and Tina Taylor. 25 care workers, shortlisted against rigorous criteria, have participated in the Caring Competition, and only the very best were invited to participate in the London final.
Gold medallist Chantelle Challender participates in the care planning activity
David Sherlock, Chairman of the Skills Academy board who presented the awards, said “the social care sector is vital, and this competition will encourage people to choose social care as a career.” Skills Academy Chief Executive Liz McSheehy also commented that “the extraordinarily high standards of care delivered by the competitors has demonstrated the need for these competitions and we look forward to building on the success with a further series of competitions next year.”
Editors’ Notes
- The heats of the Caring Competition took place at Leicester College in March, St Helens College in April, and Telford College of Arts and Technology in May this year.
- Chantelle previously won second prize in the heat at Telford College in May.
- 10 care workers who scored highest overall at the three regional heats competed in the gruelling final.
- Anyone who wins a medal in the final and who will be under 23 in 2011 may be eligible to represent the UK in the international World Skills Caring Competition at WorldSkills London in Autumn 2011.
- The competition has been open to applications from anyone working in, or training for, the social care sector over the age of 16.
- For further information about the WorldSkills UK Skills competitions visit www.worldskillsuk.org.