BSDC student wins silver at WorldSkills UK National Finals

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is celebrating the success of Computer Science student, Will Banham, who has won a silver medal in the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals held at Cardiff University.

Will, a Level 3 Computer Science (Programming and App Development) student, competed in the Web Development category, showcasing his advanced technical skills, creativity and problem-solving under intense, timed conditions. His achievement places him among the top young web developers in the UK.

The WorldSkills competitions are designed by industry professionals, and challenge participants against rigorous sector standards to develop the high-level technical skills needed for future careers. Will’s success continues BSDC’s strong track record in national skills competitions.

Also competing at the finals were Solomon Hackett, a BSDC T-Level Digital Support Services (Cyber Security & Networking) student in the Cyber Security category, and Milosz Bilas, a former BSDC student now studying for a degree in Cyber Security at Sheffield Hallam University. To reach the national finals, competitors first completed an online assessment before progressing to highly competitive regional qualifiers.

Will’s impressive performance throughout the stages earned him a place in the final and ultimately a silver medal. Reflecting on his experience, Will said: “I was nervous at first but felt I settled once I got the hang of things and understood how the competition works. I thought it had gone quite well but wasn’t expecting a silver medal so was really happy with the outcome.” 

Following his win, Will is waiting to hear from Squad UK, a training programme for WorldSkills winners to represent the UK internationally. He has also recently progressed to a second interview for a Data Engineer apprenticeship with a multinational technology company, which he hopes to pursue upon completing his course.

Jacqui Maw, Curriculum Team Leader at BSDC said: “We are extremely proud of our students’ achievements at the WorldSkills finals. Their success demonstrates the high-level skills and professionalism they have developed during their studies and reflects the College’s commitment to preparing learners for industry through real-world challenges that push their abilities to the next level.”

Will’s achievement highlights Burton and South Derbyshire College’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and confidence to excel in competitive, real-world environments. The college continues to work closely with employers and industry bodies to ensure its curriculum reflects current and future demands, giving learners the best possible start in their careers and opportunities to shine on national and international stages.