Lewisham College learners have been celebrating success after taking part in the sixth annual NCG Skills Competition, held this year at Kidderminster College during National Apprenticeship Week.
The NCG Skills Competition is a national competition that brings together learners from across NCG’s seven colleges. The event provides a platform for learners and apprentices to develop and demonstrate their expertise in a professional, high-performance environment, judged by industry specialists.
Lewisham College learners earned their place at the national finals after progressing through competitive regional heats held in December. On the day, participants competed across 11 skills areas, including business, carpentry, hairdressing, joinery, electrical installation and bricklaying.
Each category was desgined judged and supported by employer partners, including NOCN Group, One Advanced, L’Oréal, Vella and WorldSkills UK, creating a realistic, industry-led environment aligned to national standards. Modelled on WorldSkills principles, the competition strengthens hands-on experience, builds confidence and develops the technical, professional and personal skills that employers across the region and beyond are actively seeking.
Lewisham College is especially proud to celebrate the success of learner Rosie Overy, who secured first place in the hairdressing category. Demonstrating exceptional technical precision, creativity and professionalism throughout the competition, Rosie stood out against strong contenders from across the NCG network.
Competing in a live, high-pressure setting enabled learners to apply their training in a real-world context, refine their technical precision and showcase the high standards of teaching and learning at Lewisham College.
Principal Jamie Stevenson said: “Lewisham College is committed to preparing our learners with the skills, confidence and real-world experience they need to succeed in their future careers. NCG Skills provides a valuable opportunity for learners to challenge themselves in a professional environment and demonstrate the high standards of technical excellence we are proud to deliver. Our learners’ success is a testament to their dedication, talent and professionalism, as well as the expertise and commitment of our teaching teams who support them every step of the way. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and the determination that led to this fantastic result."
“This competition is a powerful demonstration of the advanced skills being developed by the next generation across our colleges, as well as by our adult learners and apprentices. The knowledge, technical ability and professional behaviours they are building will not only strengthen their career prospects but also contribute to their long-term economic wellbeing and success.”
Success at events such as the NCG Skills Competition reflects the strength of vocational education at NCG and Lewisham College and our continued commitment to ensuring learners develop the confidence, resilience and industry-ready skills needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study.
NCG Skills 2026 Winners
Electrical: George Collins, Kidderminster College
Bricklaying: Ollie Skillen, Newcastle College
Carpentry: Jak Dolton, Carlisle College
Joinery: Shaun Gray, Carlisle College
Painting & Decorating: Ellie Fox, Newcastle College
Plastering: Jake Waite, Carlisle College
Business: Jude Strong, Newcastle College
Hairdressing: Rosie Overy, Lewisham College
Beauty: Ornela Mucta, Newcastle College
Creative Media Make-Up: Bethany Covent, Newcastle College
Art & Design: Lana McKenzie, Newcastle Sixth Form College
Read more about the NCG Skills Competition here https://www.ncgrp.co.uk/news/ncg-skills-2026-showcases-exceptional-student-talent/
