Medals for Barnfield

A team of IT students from Barnfield College has won prestigious medals in the first EuroSkills contest held in Rotterdam.

Watched by about 40,000 spectators, 400 competitors from 29 countries competed in 25 different competitions covering 49 different vocational skills. 
The UK team swept the board at the contest, collecting eight gold medals.  
The Barnfield College students, who made up the Office ICT team, competed against nine other European countries in the three-day competition, winning the special Medallion of Excellence.

John O'Neill, the Barnfield training manager, said: "They have shown high levels of commitment, determination and technical expertise. They have shown to prospective employers the value of vocational training and are a credit to Barnfield."

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "Barnfield's entry in the first Euroskills is part of our preparation for the 2011 WorldSkills in London in which we hope to play a major role. Involving our students in top-level international competitions improves their skills for future employers."