Game on for Jess at World Skills UK

Student Jess Ancill is entering the competition arena for the first time at WorldSkills UK. The 17-year-old is spending three days at The Skills Show at the NEC, Birmingham competing in the 3D Digital Game Art category. Gold, silver and bronze medal glory is at stake, followed by the opportunity to represent Team UK in the 2018 world finals.

“The competition is insanely good, but it’s also down to each individual’s skill, so it’s still an even playing field,” the James Watt College student said. “Coming away with a medal will be life-changing. Some major career opportunities would come my way.”

Jess took part in local competition heats earlier in the year, followed by national heats in London. Here, she spent five hours developing a stylised moose head being mounted on a shield.

“I got quite emotional when I heard I’d got a place in the national finals,” Jess added. “Some of the people I was competing against have been modelling for years. I guess you can underestimate yourself in these situations if you’ve only been designing for 12 months or so.

“I’m really looking forward to the competition. The atmosphere’s going to be electric. I think I will be focused on the tasks we’re given, but also relaxed with everyone around me. It’s nice to become friends with the other competitors and make industry contacts as well.”

The Skills Show takes place from Thursday 16-Saturday 18 November. BMet is exhibiting in The Skills Show’s College Zone, Have A Go Construction and Have A Go Media and Creative. Dance and musical theatre students are also performing on the Spotlight Stage.

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