Rhianna Berry, a student at Boston College in Lincolnshire, is this year’s winner of the WorldSkills UK Health and Social Care competition after beating off strong opposition from all over the UK in the Finals at The Skills Show at Birmingham NEC which took place from 17 to 19 November 2016.
Rhianna, (18) from Spalding in Lincolnshire won the accolade at The Skills Show where eight finalists demonstrated their health and care sector skills in a mix of written tests and live activities, devised by Competition Organising Partner www.Profiles4Care.com, to replicate situations which health and social care workers would be expected to face in their everyday roles.
“I was shocked to have won,” exclaimed Rhianna Berry, “As well as the successes in the different elements of the competition, it really made me reflect on areas where I wasn’t so strong and how I could improve on them, so to end up as the overall winner came as a complete surprise. I’m currently going to interviews with Universities and this award, I hope, will give me a real boost in getting me the place I want. I owe so much to my tutors for helping to get me here, I couldn’t have done it without their fantastic support.”
The final medal positions for the event were:
- Gold Medal – Rhianna Berry, Boston College
- Silver Medal – William Malcher, South Devon College
- Bronze Medal – Shaney Sloan, College of West Anglia
Marc Jones, Director of Competition Organising Partner Profiles4Care, said; “The health and social care sectors are extremely challenging environments to work in and this event is aimed at finding the best students and trainees, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and to inspire others. Rhianna is a very worthy winner and we applaud every one of our competitors for their hard work and dedication throughout this competition. It’s good to know that the carers of the future are as determined to succeed in their chosen career and have the skills and values to match their ambition.”
Those who excel in the WorldSkills UK Competitions may be invited to join the training programme to represent the UK at the international WorldSkills Competitions, which takes place every two years in cities around the world.
Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “I offer my congratulations to Rhianna on her success at The Skills Show. “All of the apprentices and learners who took part in the WorldSkills UK Competitions are truly inspirational. We will work with them to show young people, whatever their background, the training and career opportunities that an apprenticeship or high quality training programme can offer them.”
WorldSkills UK Competitions in 2017 open for entry from 1 March until 7 April. For more information please visit worldskillsuk.org
2016 Gold Medal Winner Rhianna Berry and Marc Jones of Profiles4Care
