In 2013, 74 UK competitions will be showcased at the skills show, at Birmingham’s NEC on 14-16 November. The next international competition will be held in 2015 in Brazil.
The environmental science competition was designed using the expertise of Prospect members at the British Geological Survey in close collaboration with a unique combination of sector skills councils and with support from Natural England, unionlearn and STEMNET.
Ahead of this year’s competition, Prospect caught up with UK Young Scientist of the Year 2013, Emily O’Regan, who won last year’s competition while studying at Newcastle Sixth Form College. She is now at university in Bangor studying zoology with conservation.
How did you prepare for the competition?
I prepared mainly by using textbooks to refresh my knowledge of basic environmental science. I also used the internet to find out the current news, so I was up-to-date with the latest environmental issues, innovations and ideas. I think this was a good way to prepare for the competition as I had an understanding of many different scenarios, and I would happily use this method if I was to compete again.
What was it like to compete?
I was quite nervous before the competition as I didn’t quite know what to expect. When we started working, however, I got really into it and forgot about any doubts I had before! It was really fun to compete against other teams and against the clock. My partner, Matthew Otubu, and I, worked really well together and made every second count!
Can you describe your emotions on winning?
It felt fantastic to win the gold medal! Our hard work really paid off, and it felt good to have something to show how much effort we put into the competition.
Would you recommend the competition to others?
I would definitely recommend entering the competition! It was a brilliant event with challenging, yet rewarding, tasks. You also get to meet some fantastic people and make new friends – I am still in touch with friends I made at the competition almost a year later!
How has the competition benefited you?
This competition was great experience for me, as it really helped to hone crucial skills such as presenting work, communicating ideas and listening to advice. In March I was awarded the title of UK Young Scientist of the Year 2013 for a research project I had carried out on courtship behaviour in flamingos. I feel that competing in the environmental science competition was very important, as it prepared me for the competition environment and presented me with situations that I have since been faced with, and have been able to handle effectively.
If you would like to get involved in running or sponsoring the environmental science competition, please contact Sue Ferns.
For information about other WorldSkills competitions or the skills show event, visit the WorldSkills UK website at: http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk/
Prospect has dedicated Facebook and Twitter accounts covering WorldSkills.