As the UK economy emerges from a COVID induced hibernation, re-skilling, re-tooling supported by high-quality vocational programmes, will be vital to ensure that UK employers have access to the very best and highest skilled vocational talent in the world.

During National apprenticeship week in 2021 (8th-14th February 2021) NCG will be running a group-wide programme of “Skill Finals” where the winners of the local heats will compete on a group-wide platform, within programmes such as Bricklaying to Hospitality and Hair and Beauty. With a focus on the resumption of the World Skills UK competitions in 2021, NCG will be aiming to develop an annual pathway for registration to the world’s biggest skill competition.

NOCN Group is an appointed End Point Assessment Organisation for a number of these programmes and will be supplying technical judges in both the Construction and Hospitality finals, as well as sponsoring over fifty prizes for the regional placed winners and runners up.

Supporting incentives such as the NCG competitions is a vital part of NOCN Group’s charitable objectives and a way to “give back” to the next generation of workforce talent. Thomas Burton, NOCN’s Director of Apprenticeships, who will himself be judging the Culinary Arts final commented on the opportunity:

“During my early career, I had opportunities to compete in both the Young Chef/Young Waiter competition and the Craft Guild for Chefs, Young National Chef of the Year. Both these skill competitions allowed me to develop and focus my abilities and pit my standards against some of the countries very best hospitality talent. Supporting the next generation of vocational talent is close to my heart and this opportunity presents NOCN Group as an educational charity a great way of connecting with the workforce of the future”.

Grant Glendinning, Executive Principal, NCG North and Strategic Lead for Apprenticeships commented:

“We are thrilled to have the support of NOCN as we launch our inaugural NCG Skills Competition during National Apprenticeship Week 2021.

Apprenticeships are key to developing a skilled workforce that is fit for purpose and at NCG we strive to ensure that enterprise, engagement and employability are at the centre of every learner experience.

This competition will offer apprentices across all NCG colleges an opportunity to develop and share their skills and knowledge with employers and industry supporters like NOCN. This will not only enhance their learning experience but their employability prospects too, which is why this support is so invaluable.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2021, takes place between the 8th and 14th of February and NOCN Group will be highlighting the very best of the competitions via its social media channels and website.