Job success following Gold medal at Skills Competition Wales
Katie Pierce
Following winning gold at Skills Competition Wales this March, and a successful interview, Katie Pearce from Pontprennau has been offered a full time position as a Customer Service Advisor at Itec Skills.
The teenager, who left school with no GCSEs, won the gold medal in the Inclusive Skills: Customer Service competition, which involved demonstrating key skills and attributes required in customer service, and how to provide customers with a good experience.
The competition included three tasks: producing a written email response to questions raised by customers, producing a written response to two questions relating to the fundamentals of customer service, and dealing with two different role play situations.
Skills Competition Wales 2023 saw over 1000 young people pan Wales compete across five sectors: Construction & Infrastructure, Engineering & Technology, Health, Hospitality & Lifestyle, IT & Enterprise and Media & Creative. In total, 101 gold medals were awarded this year.
To celebrate Katie’s award, Itec Skills Centre in Cardiff held an in-person event for Katie and her family to attend.
After the award ceremony, much to Katie’s surprise, Itec offered her a permanent position as a Customer Service Advisor with them following a successful interview earlier in the week.
Speaking at the event, Katie said: “I am so proud of myself for winning the gold award. I enjoyed being part of the Skills Competition Wales and particularly enjoyed the role play elements of the competition which gave me a chance to demonstrate the skills I have learnt since joining Itec.”
Katie started her Itec journey in September 2020 on the Jobs Growth Wales + Engagement programme where she completed two qualifications. Katie then secured placement with the British Heart Foundation where she developed professionalism, patience, and a “people-first” attitude, sparking her passion for customer service.
As Katie’s confidence grew, with a further placement at Harry Harper Sales and Letting, she gained additional qualifications including a Level 1 Introductory Award in Customer Service and a Level 1 Award in Communication Skills.
Adele Hughes, Operations Manager at Itec said: “We are thrilled for Katie, her hard work and dedication has truly paid off. Her professionalism and skill in dealing with customers has won her the top award at Skills Competition Wales, and she is a great role model to other learners who are undertaking similar qualifications. A huge congratulations to Katie, and her family.”
Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales Project director, Paul Evans said: “We’re thrilled for Katie, to be the best in Wales in your skill and be offered a permanent position in her chosen field off the back of it is fantastic.”
“Katie’s story is testament to the benefits skills competitions can have in terms of increasing the employability and development of skills in young people, and as the number of SCW competitors increases, we hope to hear more stories like this.”
Find out more about Skills Competition Wales.
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