Apprentices from The Guernsey Institute and Highlands College Jersey recently traveled to the Isle of Man to participate in the 2026 Pan-island Skills competition, which was hosted by University College Isle of Man. The event is a collaborative initiative which aims to showcase and celebrate the diverse talents of young individuals who are studying for qualifications in their chosen vocational field.
This year, apprentices competed in six vocational areas: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, trowel trades, painting & decorating and for the first time this year, motor vehicle.
Apprentices competed in a series of timed challenges that tested their skills in their chosen profession. The competitors had the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and problem-solving abilities under the scrutiny of industry professionals who made up the judging panel.
Of the 10 Guernsey apprentices, the following placed within their chosen area:
John Le Huray - 2nd in Motor Vehicle
Luke Le Cras - 2nd in Electrical
Tom Draper - 3rd in Trowel Trades
Eben Le Poidevin - 3rd in Plumbing
Skye Gardner - 2nd in Plumbing
Chris Torode, Director of Apprenticeships said: "The 2026 Pan-island Skills Competition was a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to showcase their talents, meet students from other colleges and test their own skills against the clock. I was extremely proud of the Guernsey team. Everyone worked incredibly hard and produced some outstanding work. Well done to those individuals who placed within their specific vocational area. Congratulations also to University College Isle of Man for winning the overall trophy this year and for hosting such a successful event. We are already looking forward to a rematch in Jersey in 2027."
