Faye Smith Wins Bronze at WorldSkills National Final

Brooklands Technical College is delighted to celebrate the success of catering student Faye Smith, who competed in the WorldSkills UK National Final in the Foundation Catering category. The event took place at Cardiff and Vale College on Friday 28^th November, where Faye proudly secured third place and achieved the bronze medal. Her determination, calm focus and passion for catering have made everyone at the college extremely proud.

Faye first entered WorldSkills as a Level 1 Professional Cookery student, showing early promise and a strong work ethic. This year she progressed to the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery and continued to build her skills and confidence. Her commitment paid off when she earned her place in the national final, an impressive milestone for any young chef.

Each task in the WorldSkills competition is assessed by a panel of industry specialists and experienced professionals. Competitors are judged in line with both general and specific competition rules, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation. Judges look for:

• The quality and freshness of ingredients
• The technique and skill shown in preparation
• The presentation and visual appeal of the dish
• The flavour profile and balance
• Creativity and originality

Competitors in Foundation Catering are tested on essential culinary skills that form the groundwork for a professional career. These include: knife skills, ingredient knowledge, food safety and menu development. Chefs must also portray the following essential soft skills in a professional kitchen: leadership, clear communication, pressure management and professional discipline.

These qualities help young chefs thrive in fast paced kitchens and support their long-term career development.

WorldSkills Foundation Skills competitions are designed for students with special educational needs and disabilities, additional learning needs or those who require extra support. The competitions evaluate core competencies aligned to Entry Level 3 or Level 1 and provide invaluable opportunities to develop:

• Vocational knowledge
• Employability skills
• Personal and social skills
• Independence and confidence

• Clear communication skills

Our students often tell us that competitions like WorldSkills help them build confidence, believe in their abilities and discover new strengths. By taking on fresh challenges, they develop resilience, independence and a deeper understanding of their craft.