The pioneering event brought together learners from across Derby, Chesterfield, and Burton, shining a spotlight on the exceptional skills being developed within the region’s further education sector.
More than 200 students from Derby College Group, Burton and South Derbyshire College, and Chesterfield College went head-to-head across 24 industry-focused competition categories, demonstrating the strength and diversity of skills emerging from local colleges.
Hosted and organised by Chesterfield College, the inaugural SkillsFest united students from an extensive range of disciplines, including construction, engineering, creative industries, hospitality, digital, health, childcare, and public services.
Competitions spanned Brickwork, Joinery, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Construction Multi Skills, Mechanical Engineering, Fabrication and Welding, Automotive, Business, Sport, Art and Design, Media, Performing Arts, Professional Cookery and more.
Strong Performances Across Derby, Chesterfield and Burton Colleges
All three colleges delivered outstanding performances, with Derby College Group securing notable victories in several key areas. DCG students excelled in:
- Plumbing – Sam Kerk
- Electrical Installation – Nathan Burton
- Mechanical Engineering (Turning) – Alistair Barron
- Automotive – Archie Collins
- Sport – Derby College Team
- Music – Willow Millard
- Foundation Studies – Team Derby
Their achievements highlighted the exceptional standard of teaching, training and employer‑focused skill development happening in the College.
Celebrating Skills Across the Region
Students across Derby, Burton and Chesterfield demonstrated outstanding teamwork, technical expertise and professionalism throughout the day. The event fostered a strong sense of collaboration between the three colleges while celebrating the best of local further education.
Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College Group, said:
“To host the first ever competition of this annual SkillsFest is a massive honour and I’m delighted, not just with how well today has gone, but also with how well each competitor has represented their college.
“They really are a testament to the amazing further education sector. To see so many unbelievable skills from the next generation on display all at once was something to behold and it is so inspiring to see the upcoming talent pool in every sector.”
Heather Kelly, Deputy CEO at Derby College Group, added:
“Days like SkillsFest truly capture what further education is all about. Our students have demonstrated not only exceptional technical ability, but also resilience, professionalism and pride in their craft.
“To see them competing alongside their peers from across the region, pushing themselves and supporting one another, has been incredibly inspiring.
“Competitions like this give students the chance to showcase their talents in a real-world environment, build confidence and recognise just how far they have come.
“We are immensely proud of every Derby College student who took part today. They represent the future workforce of our region and the future is in very safe hands.
“I would also like to say a massive thank you to Chesterfield College for the huge amount of work that went into organising and hosting the very first SkillsFest.
“They created a fantastic event that celebrated skills, collaboration and friendly competition and made it a great day for everyone involved.”
Supporting Colleges Week and Regional Skills Development
SkillsFest took place during Colleges Week, a national celebration recognising the vital role colleges play in developing the future workforce.
Following the success of the inaugural event, all three colleges—Derby, Chesterfield and Burton—are already looking ahead to future SkillsFest competitions to further champion young talent and regional skills development.
