Westminster Kingsway College student to represent Team UK at World Skills London 2011
01 July 2011
Former Westminster Kingsway College student, Ben Murphy has been selected as part of the team that will represent the United Kingdom at World Skills London 2011, the world’s largest international skills competition.
Ben, who gained his Professional Chef Diploma at Westminster Kingsway College two years ago, works at Koffmann’s, The Berkeley Knightsbridge, under the acclaimed chef, Pierre Koffmann. He has been selected to join Team UK, a group who are competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill against young people from across the globe.
Pierre Koffmann said: “It is fantastic to see a young chef who truly enjoys what he does and who works so hard, rising in his career. He is heading in the right direction and we are very happy for him.”
The team were named this week by Skills Minister John Hayes during the National Apprenticeship Awards. They will enter over 30 skills categories ranging from Mobile Robotics, Electrical Installations and Graphic Design to Landscape Gardening and Cooking, which is where Ben will compete.
Ben said: “I have always wanted to become a world class chef. I heard about World Skills 2011 through my mentor at Westminster Kingsway College. I had already taken part in a lot of competitions with the College, such as Euro Skills 2010 and Cooking, Cook & Serve Multi Skill and winning a Medallion for Excellence so this was a great opportunity. “My greatest achievement is that I now believe in myself and can tackle challenges in the competitions that I am set. I have come so far and to now be competing on a world stage is amazing.”
WorldSkills London 2011, which takes place from 5-8 October 2011, will see over 150,000 visitors watch 1000 competitors from over 50 countries/regions compete over four exciting days, with the 43 members of Team UK showcasing their skills. Ben is one of three competitors from London who are joining the team at Excel.
Andy Wilson, Westminster Kingsway College Principal, said: “It is fantastic news that Ben Murphy has been selected to represent Team UK at World Skills 2011. It takes both talent and dedication to reach the top as a chef. Like many successful chefs, Ben started his journey at Westminster Kingsway and we are tremendously proud of all Ben has achieved since.
World Skills 2011 is a great opportunity for London; Westminster Kingsway is the only further education college in London with a representative in Team UK so it will provide an excellent platform to showcase the good quality vocational education and first-class skills that the world can expect to see in the Capital. We are delighted that Ben has been selected to represent his country and all wish him the best of luck at Excel in October.”
The School of Hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College has a long history of excellence within the hospitality industry. Following the celebration of its Centenary year, it was praised in its Ofsted Inspection Report, where it highlighted its exemplary work with partners and employers, ‘who speak very highly of the College’ and its ‘commitment to enabling people to gain access to high-quality education and training’.
Judged as ‘Outstanding’ the School of Hospitality at the College continues to deliver ‘very high success rates and excellent development of learner practical skills.’
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