By Katie Small
Teaching and Learning Coach, South Staffordshire College
What is your involvement with WorldSkills UK?
Since completing the Centre of Excellence Educators Training Programme with WorldSkills UK in 2022, I have developed a strong interest in integrating WorldSkills principles into our college curriculum. Over the past two years, I have participated in various WorldSkills UK training sessions and events and have encouraged the college to engage with the WorldSkills 2.0 initiative. I have also facilitated training and supported staff involved in WorldSkills programmes while continuing to teach in my own subject area.
In September 2024, I transitioned into the role of Teaching and Learning Coach. In this position, I will continue supporting the raising of standards across multiple curriculum areas, with a focus on embedding WorldSkills UK principles into our educational practices. I saw the opportunity to participate in the WorldSkills UK International Exchange Programme in Lyon in September 2024 as a chance to enhance my understanding of international best practices. My aim is to bring back insights that I can share with colleagues at South Staffordshire College, helping to further embed best practices and facilitate CPD (Continuous Professional Development) throughout the institution.
What have you gained from being involved with WorldSkills UK?
My involvement with WorldSkills UK has provided invaluable resources, including access to online training, regular webinars, and the Learning Lab. These resources have significantly contributed to my professional development and broadened my understanding of best practices in technical education.
Additionally, through networking with professionals from other institutions, I have gained insights into how other colleges embed WorldSkills principles into their curricula. This has enabled me to feedback to college managers on how we can apply these strategies to improve the quality of our teaching and training. The knowledge gained from these exchanges has directly supported our college’s commitment to continuous improvement and positive outcomes for learners across a wide range of study programmes.
Has your involvement with WorldSkills UK led to any positive impact on your development or career advancement?
Since becoming actively involved with WorldSkills UK in 2022, I have taken a leading role in promoting and implementing their initiatives at South Staffordshire College. This involvement has had a significant impact on my professional development, particularly with my transition into the role of Teaching and Learning Coach in September 2024.
In my new role, I continue working with WorldSkills UK to support the professional development of educators across the college. One key aspect of my work is embedding WorldSkills principles into the curriculum and teaching methodologies. This ensures that our students are equipped with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in an ever-changing job market.
I work closely with subject teachers to identify opportunities for integrating WorldSkills frameworks into their lessons, ensuring that our students receive high-quality, internationally recognised training. This focus not only enhances the quality of our teaching but also ensures that our students are well-prepared for future careers.
To further develop my expertise, I am eager to apply for the WorldSkills UK Endorsed Trainer Programme. This will provide me with the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, expand my network, and continue driving the integration of best practices into our college’s teaching methods.
Has/will your involvement with WorldSkills UK lead to any positive impact on raising standards and supporting quality improvement in technical teaching and training?
My involvement with WorldSkills UK has enabled us to incorporate “pressure tests” into our curriculum. These simulated real-world challenges help students develop the resilience, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise required to excel in their chosen fields. By integrating pressure tests, we aim to ensure that students meet both national and international benchmarks, which will raise standards and improve the quality of training.
Going forward, we will make these pressure tests a core part of our curriculum design. This will involve a thorough analysis of skill requirements and development areas, ensuring that our learners are better equipped to face the challenges of the modern workforce.
What will be the sustainable impact of your participation in the WorldSkills UK International Exchange Visit Lyon 24?
During the visit to Lyon, I participated in a CPD session with WorldSkills France, where we had the opportunity to share best practices and gain valuable insights into sustainable approaches. I was particularly inspired by how France has built sustainability criteria into its competitions, encouraging greener practices and waste management accountability.
At South Staffordshire College, we are proud to have a Net Zero Energy Training Centre. The sustainable practices shared during the exchange with WorldSkills France provide an excellent opportunity for further collaboration in this area. I plan to share these insights with my colleagues, particularly those involved in the Net Zero Energy Centre, to continue fostering green practices in our curriculum and training.
This ongoing collaboration will help ensure that our teaching not only aligns with the latest global best practices but also supports our goal of providing students with the skills needed for a sustainable future.
