“At the heart of high-quality education lies the commitment to preparing students for real-world success, and Lisa Nicholson, CADD Lecturer and Course Leader in Computing and Digital Technologies, has made that commitment a fundamental part of her teaching approach. By integrating WorldSkills UK Benchmarking Resources into her day-to-day lessons, Lisa has elevated her students’ skills, motivating them to meet industry standards and empowering them to succeed both academically and in the workplace.
Transforming Teaching with Industry-Aligned Resources
Lisa has seamlessly embedded the Benchmarking Resources into her lesson plans, practical assessments, and feedback sessions, using them to benchmark students’ skills against national and international standards. This structured approach ensures that every student benefits from exposure to the high standards expected by the industry while fostering a competitive and supportive learning environment.
“The Learning Lab platform has become a key tool in preparing our students for success,” says Lisa. “It offers ready-to-use materials that align with industry best practices, saving time while pushing students to stretch their technical abilities and develop key Meta-Skills such as problem-solving and resilience.”
Empowering Students and Building Confidence
For Lisa’s students, the Benchmarking Resources have been a game-changer. Not only do they provide an opportunity to measure their progress, but they also offer valuable insights into what’s expected in the workforce. This has had a profound effect on their confidence, as many students who once doubted their abilities have now gone on to excel in national competitions, armed with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
The resources have given students a clear view of industry best practices, with alignment to WorldSkills International standards. This rigorous, practical approach ensures students are developing technical competence and a deeper understanding of what it means to work at a professional level—giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Creating Industry-Ready Graduates
Lisa highlights that the impact of the Benchmarking Resources extends beyond technical skills; they also support the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality education. “Internally, these resources align with our curriculum objectives and provide measurable benchmarks for student progression,” Lisa explains. “Externally, they align with industry expectations and national occupational standards, ensuring our learners are ready to meet the demands of employers.”
By preparing students to compete at the highest level, the Benchmarking Resources also support the college’s participation in WorldSkills UK competitions. Students trained to these high standards are well-equipped to showcase their skills on a national and international stage, maintaining the college’s reputation for producing skilled, industry-ready graduates.
Saving Time, Supporting Success
The most impactful aspect of the Learning Lab resources, according to Lisa, is their ability to save valuable time while maintaining high standards. These industry-aligned materials make it easy to benchmark students’ skills, offering clear pathways for progression and tailored challenges to meet individual needs. This ensures that all learners are supported and motivated to achieve their best.
Advice for Educators: Embrace the Learning Lab
Lisa’s advice for other educators considering the use of the Benchmarking Resources is simple: “Dive in. The Learning Lab platform is intuitive, and the resources are tailored to meet the needs of both teachers and learners. Start with small, focused tasks and gradually expand your use as you see the results.”
Supporting Social Mobility and Community Impact
Beyond the classroom, the impact of these resources is felt across the wider community. By equipping students with industry-relevant skills, Lisa and her team are contributing to social mobility. Many students have gone on to achieve success in their careers, breaking barriers and inspiring others in their communities. As role models and mentors, these students are making a positive impact that extends beyond the college, strengthening connections between education and industry and uplifting the local community.
Through the integration of WorldSkills UK Benchmarking Resources, Lisa Nicholson is not only shaping the future of technological excellence but also empowering her students to thrive in a competitive world, creating a ripple effect of success, confidence, and community impact.”
Access the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab here: https://www.worldskillsuk.org/learning-lab/
