Welding students from Newcastle College’s Energy Academy recently celebrated success after an impressive performance at the regional inter‑college welding competitions, helping the College secure an incredible 16 wins across a wide range of disciplines.
These annual nationwide competitions see apprentices and students from colleges across the UK go head‑to‑head to be named the best in their field. After progressing through local heats, the top two competitors in each discipline advance to the regional stage, a true test of skill, precision and performance under pressure.
Among this year’s highlights were exceptional results from Newcastle College’s welding learners. Dan Bulman claimed first place in Welding, demonstrating outstanding technical ability, while Harry Oswell secured a third‑place finish, further underlining the strength of welding training within the College’s Energy Academy.
Alongside welding, learners across the College achieved top results in areas including construction, creative arts, hospitality and performance — a reflection of the breadth of talent and technical excellence being developed at Newcastle College.
The following learners will now progress to the North East celebration event at Stockton College on 22 May, recognising their success at regional level:
- Dan Bulman – first place – Welding
- James Bayley – first place – Interiors and Architecture
- Stirling Griggs – second place – Interiors and Architecture
- Harry Todd, Amber Hall, Nathan James Seales, Matthew Macfadyen, Josh Pennington – second place – Battle of the Bands
- Year 2 Dance – first place – Dance
- Year 1 Acting – first place – Acting
- Jessica Hughes – first place – Media
- Oliver Lott – second place – Media
- Lewis Martin – first place – Roofing
- Tyler Armstrong – second place – Roofing
- Megan Douglas – first place – Plastering
- Aaleayah Nicholson and Hannah Masson – joint second place – Travel
- Ellie Fox – first place – Painting and Decorating
- Sophie Aitkins – first place – Hospitality and Catering
Congratulations to all of our winners, you've done the College proud.