Part of the National Apprenticeship Service

TeamUK Results 2011

5 Gold
2 Silver
6 Bronze

Biography

Jennie James

South East
Skill: 
Web Design
Home Town: 
Milton Keynes

 

Qualifications: 

BSc in Information Technology GCGI plus over 20 other qualifications

Are you City & Guilds qualified?: 
Yes
What involvement have you had with competitions?: 

I participated in WorldSkills in Japan 2007 and Calgary 2009.

Who would you like to thank for their support?: 

I would like to thank Chris Ridgeon and of course my husband

What made you take on this role?: 

I was looking for a new challenge.

Why do you think WorldSkills is important?: 

In today’s climate it is important that we have a skilled workforce and ensure that we can be competitive on the global stage.  It gives opportunities for our youth to show their skills at the highest level and to be proud of their achievements.

What do you enjoy most about your role?: 

Seeing competitors develop their skills to a high level, to see their commitment to the WorldSkills process, their enthusiasm and their development throughout the process.

How has this year differed to WorldSkills Calgary 2009?: 

I feel that this is a more challenging cycle.  Every year the standards of web design increases globally, the software changes and this brings with it the challenges to ensure that the competitors have the best training to allow them to compete and represent the UK in London 2011.

What do you think being part of this process does for young people?: 

The process gives the competitor the opportunity to reach the highest standard in their skill.  Comments from past and present competitors indicate that they gain a great deal of confidence and the process shows them that they can achieve a great deal not only in their chosen skill but also in their personal development.  They feel that the high standard and level of training allows them to enjoy the freedom to expand their knowledge and skills to WorldSkills standards.

What sets a WS competitor apart from your average young person?: 

Dedication, commitment and a desire to be the best they can be and will do all they can to achieve their goal and represent the UK.  They will always see the reason for doing something, rather than finding an excuse not to.

What would be your message to industry about entering future competitions?: 

The best way to promote your business is by promoting your highly skilled workforce.  If you want to be able to compete in the global market then you will need a workforce that will allow you to do that.  You could be a good business or you could be a globally competitive business.  Promoting competitions will ensure we have a competitive workforce for the future.

What impact will WorldSkills London 2011 have on your industry?: 

There are many things that will come from WorldSkills London 2011.  One is that the UK will be able to showcase the incredibly high standards that our young trainees can achieve and see what the world standards are.  It will be a great opportunity for everyone to gain a better understanding of this great competition and the benefits it brings.

What are your personal achievements: 

To have been the Training Manager of the first web design UK competitor, Richard Edwards, to take part in a WorldSkills competition who gained a Medallion of Excellence in Calgary.