Students from the College of North West London were recognised as the 'best of the best' at an awards ceremony earlier this month, and Jan Nickel, from Wigmore in Luton, who studies at the College and works for biscuit company McVities, was there with his family to receive his prize.
The awards evening was the culmination of the College’s Skills Show Experience event, held in March, which saw hundreds of students competing in different skills challenges including carpentry, electronics, motor vehicle mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning, welding and bricklaying. Staff then chose an overall winner from each of the categories.
35 year old Jan, who won first place in Production & Maintenance, was awarded his certificate and cash prize at the ceremony by the Worshipful Mayor of Brent and Mike Welsh, the College’s Vice Principal.
Jan has worked with McVities in Harlesden for four years in production and packaging and studies at the College part time. Jan said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the competition – we had to make a machine vice and the challenge was to use different materials. Mine was more of a show piece, not very practical, as it was made from steel, brass, aluminium and Perspex!” Director of Curriculum Pat Leavey said of Jan and his work: “He is an excellent student and a great role model for his peers. His position in this competition is justified by his competence, skills and quality of his work.”
Jan was proud to be at the event with his wife and two young children (one and nine years old), as well having his employer, John Holland from McVities, there too. John commented: “We’ve had links with the College of North West London for many years and have used them for engineering skills and English language as well as apprenticeships.” Speaking of his employee, John added: “Jan is an extremely hard worker. He has studied with the College on day release before but now he is completing his Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering during his own time, which is admirable.”
Mike Welsh, College of North West London Vice Principal, welcomed the competition winners and their families, industry guests, sponsors and the Mayor of Brent to the awards evening. The Worshipful Mayor of Brent, Cllr Bobby Thomas, also spoke of his time at college and how he too had worked whilst completing his studies. He said that he understood the difficulties and the commitment required but that hard work does pay off and that it is very important to celebrate learner’s achievements.
Andy Cole, Principal, commented: “Our students are very good at winning awards and have won many regional and international competitions and we’re extremely proud of them all. I must also extend our thanks to the employers as without employer links and support we would not be able to give the students real work, real life experience.”