Competing at the WorldSkills UK Qualifiers: Our Apprentices' Experience

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We were proud to host the WorldSkills UK Qualifiers at The Security Event last month. The three-day competition showcased incredible apprentice talent, with each individual competing for a place in the national finals.

We recently caught up with two of our apprentices who took part - Joe Jenkins from AGS Security and Michael Gaffoor from Jackson Fire & Security. They shared their experience of the competition, what they learned, and how it’s helped them grow in confidence as engineers.

Joe Jenkins from AGS Security

Joe’s Experience

Joe handled the pressure well and showed what he’s capable of in a challenging, real-world scenario. Here's what he had to say:

“Today I competed in the WorldSkills qualifiers for Fire and Security at The Security Event. I was challenged with a full hands-on install and setup under timed conditions, simulating real-world scenarios.

The judges were watching closely, checking everything from my installation technique and accuracy to my testing process and how I handled faults. It was a proper test of both technical skill and pressure handling, but it was a substantial experience.

It really pushed me to stay sharp and show my full ability across all the Fire and Security disciplines.”

Michael Gaffoor from Jackson Fire & Security

Michael's Experience

Michael's reflection highlights how the competition is inclusive and not just for experienced apprentices. Even those early in their training can learn a lot and build confidence from the hands-on challenges. Here’s what he had to say:

“At first, I was really nervous as I felt I wasn't good enough to enter, as I'm still in my first year of the apprenticeship. But after talking to other apprentices, I found they were roughly on the same level, which put my mind at ease.

I learned that taking my time and going at my own pace helped me get things right first time - while others were trying to fix faults, I was able to move on. That’s something I’ll take with me into the field.

All in all, I found this experience really good as I learned a lot about where I am as an engineer, and it gave me more confidence when out in the field.”

How WorldSkills Helps Apprentices Grow

For Joe and Michael, WorldSkills was more than just a competition. It helped them see their progress and gain confidence in their abilities.

By hosting the event, we remain committed to supporting the development of the next generation of Fire and Security professionals, giving apprentices an opportunity to grow and be recognised for their talent.