Students from across Kent have been showcasing their talents in the annual KFE4Skills competition.
The event sees hundreds of young people from three of the county’s main colleges go head-to-head in more than 20 industries, with an expert panel judging the winning student or students in each category. More than 100 other students helped make the event happen by acting as models, tech support or event ambassadors.
KFE4Skills also serves as a gateway to the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition, with participants having the chance to progress to regional heats and, potentially, the national finals—where Kent’s colleges have a strong track record of success.
This year’s competition, featuring students from North Kent College, MidKent College, and East Kent Colleges Group, was held across three dates, with each institution hosting different industry sectors:
• Creative Industries – MidKent College’s Kent and Medway Campus hosted the first event on 4 March, featuring competitions in acting, dance, game design, and more.
• Traditional Trades – North Kent College’s Gravesend Campus welcomed students on 5 March, with competitors from brickwork, carpentry, plumbing, and other skilled trades.
• Commercial and Service Industries – The final event, at East Kent Colleges Group’s Folkestone Campus on 6 March, focused on sectors such as hairdressing, culinary arts, and health and social care.
Every participant received a certificate, with the competition providing a fun yet challenging platform for students to showcase their expertise, gain valuable experience, and strengthen their CVs. In the 2025 edition, North Kent College achieved 10 first-place finishes and 11 second-place finishes across more than 20 categories.
Nikki Franks, Assistant Principal for Construction and Engineering at North Kent College, praised the event’s impact, saying: “It’s wonderful to see so many learners from across the county showcasing the skills that they have learned and the talent that they have developed in their time at College. It’s an experience that enriches their time in further education and I’m so grateful to all staff and students who worked to make it possible.”
North Kent College received support from Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, which funded the Traditional Trades heat through its Inclusive Economy Strategy work, aimed at helping local people develop skills and secure employment. Resources for the competition were generously provided by partners working in Ebbsfleet’s regeneration. Flahive Brickwork and Chartway Partnerships Group donated brick and timber respectively, with prizes for the winning students of Screwfix vouchers, provided by the Erith Group.
Kevin Flahive, Managing Director Flahive Brickwork Ltd said: “We can see that it is vital for younger people to be given the opportunity to work in the construction industry. Without doubt there is already a skills shortage in our sector. We are supportive of schools and colleges being informed of the great opportunities that are available to work in construction and that this message is being passed on to students.”
North Kent College offers a wide range of courses, from entry level to undergraduate degrees, including numerous Level 3 qualifications (A-Level equivalent). To explore the full course offering, visit the subject list page on the North Kent College website. For more details about the competition, visit the KFE4Skills page on the Kent Further Education website.