Students at University College Isle of Man will be put to the test next month in the inter-island Skills Test 2020.

Now in its fifth year, the event has grown to include competitors not only from the University College, Isle of Man’s (UCM) construction and engineering programme areas, but now also the hospitality and catering department too.

Construction students from the island will again go up against those from Highlands College Jersey.

Schools, businesses and the general public are invited to watch competitors demonstrate their skills.

The engineering skills test will take place for a second year at the Advanced Training Manufacturing Centre at Hills Meadow, Douglas, on March 4, from 11am to 4pm.

Engineering deputy programme manager John Cashin said: ’Skills Test is a fantastic way for students to demonstrate the skills that they have acquired at UCM.

’It is no easy feat especially with the added pressure of having members of industry who are potentially their future employers watching them.’

Construction and hospitality and catering students will demonstrate their skills on March 6.

Construction students will be given a brief at the beginning of the day to create an item related to their trade.

These items will be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to Reach Isle of Man.

It takes place at UCM’s Baillie Scott Wing, in Homefield Road, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Construction programme manager Corelli Bentham said: ’This year, we are very pleased to support Reach Isle of Man, the charity which helps those who suffer with mental health issues.

’As well as raising money for this excellent cause, we hope this will also help to raise awareness of mental health within the industry.’

He added: ’We are also delighted to welcome contestants from the Highlands College Jersey, the enthusiasm and competitive spirit they brought to Skills Test last year was amazing.’

Students in the hospitality and catering skills test will face a MasterChef-style test to prepare a dish within a time limit using the ingredients provided.

It takes place at Cristory’s restaurant, in Homefield Road, from 9am to 3pm.

Hospitality and catering deputy programme manager Chris Franklin: ’This is the first year of hospitality and catering skills test.

’We are particularly excited to see our students shine and show off their cookery skills.’