• Overall FEDEC Champion Winner Sheild was awarded based on cumulative points across all categories. Congratulations to Colchester Institute on being the overall winner for the week. WorldSkills UK’s programmes are seen as an integral part of the post 16 education and training calendar. FEDEC has been working with WorldSkills UK to use its Local Skills Competitions Endorsement Framework to support its students and apprentices in developing their technical and employability skills to higher levels. Rebecca Leech, Director of Learner Experience and Essential Skills said: “We are incredibly proud of every learner who stepped forward to compete. Their commitment, resilience and professionalism shone throughout the week. This competition not only celebrates excellence but raises aspirations, strengthens collaboration across our FEDEC colleges, and showcases the outstanding talent we have across Essex.” Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all those who took part in the FEDEC Inter College Skills Competition. Competition-based learning is recognised by educators as one of the most powerful tools for driving quality improvement, as well as developing and assessing technical skills. This Framework is designed to raise standards, inspire ambition, and provide teaching staff and learners with access to world-class skills development to meet the rapidly changing demands of both existing and emerging industries.” Katharine Ball, Director of FEDEC, Federation of Essex Colleges (FEDEC) said; “This week was an exciting week for both staff and students! The competitions were a perfect way for FEDEC to offer our Essex students the opportunity to develop essential skills for the workplace; planning, commitment, communication, teamwork, problem solving, and resilience. Congratulations to all the competitors you did yourselves and your colleges proud! Healthy competition makes us strive to be the best we can be and the technical skill on show across the week was a joy to witness!” David Warnes, Principal, Chelmsford College and Chair of FEDEC (Federation of Essex Colleges) said; “FEDEC was formed to foster collaboration from the colleges across Essex, and the Inter-college Competition Week has demonstrated the benefits this can bring. Giving students the opportunity to showcase their talents with different scenarios in different locations, working under pressure and to strict deadlines. The results speak for themselves and prove the positive difference a truly collaborative partnership can bring"