WorldSkills experience for Nottingham lecturer

A Nottingham plastering lecturer has been appointed by WorldSkills UK to work at the international WorldSkills competitions in London 2011. Kevin O’Keefe, from New College Nottingham (ncn), will be responsible for assessing competitors in the ‘Construction and Building Technology’ category.

WorldSkills is the biggest skills competition in the world and is held every two years in countries across the globe. It sets world class standards in over 40 skill areas. UK Skills (who are managing the WorldSkills London 2011 competitions) are flying Kevin to Calgary, Canada on 26th August to observe the WorldSkills 2009 competitions in preparation for his role in 2011.

Kevin said: “The role will enable me to evaluate standards of work on a worldwide scale and allow me to look at different construction technology available around the world. This is a tremendous opportunity and I am honoured to be representing the United Kingdom and most importantly ncn.”

Kevin’s success follows the accomplishments of ncn’s School of Construction on a national level, receiving two awards for plastering achievement in the ‘Plaisterers’ Training Awards 2008’.

Kevin Gowdy, ncn Director of Construction, commented: “For a member of ncn’s Construction team to be recognised at an international level is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. Kevin will learn more about international skills standards and return with new expertise which will benefit our students.”