Mark Kiss, an IT student, has travelled extensively with WorldSkills UK to train for the ‘Skills Olympics’ taking place in Lyon, France this September. It was, however, a trip back to his home country Hungary, where he took part in the Hungarian National Finals, that was the most significant for him.
“It was certainly a strange feeling going back home to compete, but it was a brilliant opportunity to test my skills against other competitors who will be in Lyon. I first discovered my love for computers when I was child in Hungary and look where it’s taken me!” explains Mark.
Moving to London with his family almost three years ago, Mark adapted to life in the capital quickly, seeing the whole experience as an adventure. He was determined to study computing and secured a place at the College of North West London, part of the United Colleges Group, to study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT.
“I really liked that the BTEC was a balance of practical and academic learning, this suited me well. It also gave me the opportunity to experience different areas of computing and I have found my place with Web Development, which to me is not only a job but a hobby as well. I would certainly recommend a BTEC as a study route to other young people who are hoping to have a career in IT,” says Mark.
It was Mark’s tutor at the College of North West London who first highlighted WorldSkills UK Competitions to him. Mark admits he wasn’t sure at first but with his tutor’s encouragement, Mark entered the Website Development Competition. He didn’t have high hopes for his performance as he had never done anything like it before, but he went on to secure the Gold medal.
Mark explains: “Winning Gold in the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2023 is one of my proudest moments, second only to being selected to join Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. My family are so pleased for me.”
Mark is also grateful for his tutor’s continued support, who alongside Valentin (Val) Adamescu the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Web Development, continues to support Mark’s preparation for WorldSkills Lyon.
As well as training for WorldSkills, which Mark reveals he does every day to ensure he will be at the top of his game in Lyon, he is also hoping to secure an apprenticeship in Web Development when he finishes his BTEC this summer.
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