More than 70 students from University College Isle of Man (UCM) and Highlands College Jersey competed in the much anticipated inter-island Skills Test 2019.

Students from the Construction Department competed against each other to demonstrate excellence in their skills in a range of trades: painting and decorating, plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation, and horticulture.

A new addition this year was the Engineering Department, where the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) students tested their skills in milling, turning and their ability to operate a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine.

UCM principal Jo Pretty said the Skills Test is no ordinary competition: ’It is a challenge that not only requires students to put their vocational skills and expertise to the test, but also their creativity and planning skills. It is a true test of their abilities and competencies.’

This year, UCM raised both the profile and the stakes of the competition by welcoming competitors from the Construction Department at the Highlands College in Jersey.

Jo added: ’We are very pleased to have the opportunity to welcome competitors from Highlands College and hope that we will get many more off-island competitors next year.’