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SECG celebrates outstanding success at inaugural FEDEC Inter-College Skills Competition
South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) has enjoyed an outstanding week of success after taking part in the inaugural Federation of Essex Colleges (FEDEC) Inter-College Skills Competition, a landmark event celebrating technical excellence and collaboration across the county.
Working alongside Chelmsford College, Colchester Institute, USP College and Harlow College, SECG proudly contributed to this WorldSkills UK-endorsed programme, which aims to raise standards, inspire learners and drive a positive cultural shift within further education across Essex.
Students competed across a wide range of subject areas, including Health & Social Care, Hair & Beauty, Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Engineering, Digital, Science and Catering & Hospitality. Throughout the competition, learners demonstrated exceptional technical ability, professionalism and a clear commitment to excellence.
SECG hosted five competitions across its campuses:
- Bricklaying at Basildon College – Stephenson Road Campus
- Engineering at Basildon College – Luckyn Lane Campus
- Catering & Hospitality at Thurrock College
- Digital at Basildon College – Centre for Digital Technologies
- Science at Southend City College
SECG students also competed off-site, taking part in Hair and Beauty at Chelmsford College, Plumbing at Colchester Institute and Health and Social Care at USP College.
Delivered through FEDEC, the Inter-College Skills Competition is the first initiative of its kind to be jointly developed by Essex colleges. The programme was formally endorsed by WorldSkills UK through its Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework, recognising the competition’s high quality and its impact on learner development, confidence and progression.
The competition concluded with an Awards Ceremony hosted by USP College at its Immersive Theatre, Seevic Campus in Benfleet. Students, staff and partners from across Essex gathered to celebrate technical skill, student ambition and the strength of collaboration within further education.
SECG is incredibly proud to announce that its learners achieved an impressive range of awards, including seven golds.
SECG Award Winners:
- Bricklaying – Ronnie Cooper (Gold)
- Engineering – Katie Day & Max Kimmings (Gold)
- Digital – Joseph Whall and Maksym Salyha (Gold)
- Beauty – Olivia Hookins (Silver)
- Catering – Ashton Burke-Smith (Silver)
- Catering – Samuel Baker (Bronze)
- Digital – Temiluwa Braimoh, Emily Shirvell and Oliver Maslen (Bronze)
- Science – James Strubel (Bronze)
- Health and Care – Thomas Cauchi and Lexie De Souza (Bronze)
Deputy Chief Executive – Curriculum and Quality, Adam Fahey, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our learners. Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for students to put their skills into practice, gain confidence, and benchmark themselves against peers from across the county. All the winners and participants should be extremely proud of their achievements. This success reflects not only their talent and commitment, but also the high-quality teaching and support they receive. Competitions such as these highlight the real-world relevance of diverse disciplines and play a vital role in preparing learners for successful futures in their chosen industries.”
The ceremony was attended by Christian Notley MBE from WorldSkills UK, who praised the initiative, saying: “WorldSkills UK is incredibly proud to be endorsing this competition. The colleges have truly showcased what can be achieved through skills competitions and how they can drive standards and promote excellence within further education. I am very happy to be here.”
The FEDEC Inter-College Skills Competition has set a powerful precedent for collaboration across Essex, and SECG looks forward to building on this success in future years.
Success stories
Success Story: Tommy Davis
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing.
Former South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) student, Tommy Davis, now a successful freelance director, is hoping to raise enough money to make a new TV series entitled Cash in Hand, based on the working class struggle in Essex, before pitching to major broadcast networks later this year.
Tommy, from Rayleigh studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in TV and Film Production and achieved the Extended Diploma in 2015. He chose to study at SECG because he wanted to develop his passion for filmmaking and learn the craft in a professional environment with like-minded creative people.
He said: “Before coming to SECG I’d always had an obsession with cameras and making films, from shooting home videos as a kid to creating skateboarding films with my mates throughout my teens.
“SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing. My time there built my confidence and gave me the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
“The equipment at SECG was fantastic; from a full blackout TV broadcast studio for multicamera with live vision mixing, to using the studio as a professional film space with overhead lighting rigs.”
After completing his course Tommy went onto study at London South Bank University, and now works as a freelance film director specialising in music videos and branded content, working with artists, musicians, brands, and record labels around the world.
His job entails directing, producing, and overseeing all aspects of film production; from concept and shot listing to shooting and editing.
He said: “I progressed to my current position by building up my portfolio step-by-step, starting with small videos, then working with bigger artists and brands and continually developing my craft.”
Tommy said that his favourite memory of being at SECG was: “Knocking about with mates and sneaking into the big red auditorium on lunch breaks to watch music videos and Jackass”
He said that his greatest achievement has been: “Travelling the world directing, working with incredible artists such as Stormzy, high profile brands and being nominated for awards including the UK MVAs, the NME Awards, and the Young Arrows for Best New Director.
“My ambition is to get my television pilot Cash in Hand commissioned into a full series”.
A teaser video posted to social media has already gained more than 100,000 views and Tommy has launched a fundraiser to get it off the ground. The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”.
You can support the project by donating here: https://igg.me/at/CASHINHAND/x/18239410#
Take a loook at our updated Film and Television Production course Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
