Oldham College is celebrating double gold medal joy after two of its students were awarded the top prize at an international skills event that was announced live from a Channel 4 studio.

Oldham College students, Joseph Brooks and Zeeshan Hassan, were invited to the WorldSkills UK 2022 National Finals on Friday, November 25, where more than 1,000 competitors from all over the world battle to be crowned the best in one of 62 skill areas.

The two youngsters have become "trailblazers" in their further education journey and both found out they won gold, for the first time in the college's history, during a special ceremony that was hosted live from Steph McGovern's Channel 4 Packed Lunch Studio.

It was first revealed that Zeeshan had topped the podium in foundation skills, health and social care, yet just minutes later, Joseph, who works as an apprentice at a Manchester-based creative marketing agency, Rhino Group, also won gold in graphic design.

Joseph said he was "at a loss for words" when he saw his name appear on the screen for the gold accolade. 

He said: “I'm really happy with myself and all the hard work I put into the competition.

"This has definitely been a great end to the year and I can't thank everyone enough for what they've done to get me to where I am.

“A huge credit for my success goes to my mentors at Rhino Group, Steve Phillips and Lee Morris, and also to Amanda Walker, my Oldham College tutor.”

Lee Morris, Senior Creative at Rhino Group, added: “On behalf of everyone at Rhino Group, we’d like to say a huge congratulations to Joe on achieving Gold status at the WorldSkills UK 2022 finals – and also for all the hard work he’s put in during 2022.

“We’re all incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.

"With continued support from all those around him, we’re confident Joe will continue to develop and impress in the future.”

Oldham College also saw two of its other pupils make it to the finals.

Kate Norton got through to the national finals in foundation skills, woodworking, and Rebecca Mills in foundation skills, hairdressing.

Alun Francis, Oldham College principal and chief executive, also praised the youngsters and said it was "absolutely fantastic" to see the college collect its first-ever gold medals in the WorldSkills UK competition.

Mr Francis said: “Last year we boasted our biggest-ever squad and medals haul and the only thing missing was our elusive first gold medal.

"Thanks to Joseph and Zeeshan, we have now doubled that aspiration."

The principal extended his thanks to all the learners, tutors, managers, staff members and employer partners who were involved in making the win a reality.

“It’s very clear that WorldSkills is an amazing experience.

"It’s something that enriches literally everyone who takes part and contributes, and it ultimately benefits the local economy, so we are very keen to perform even better in 2023", he added.

The college is now planning for next year's WorldSkills tournament, starting with a special Skills Week from February 6, 2023, to coincide with National Apprenticeships Week 2023.

The college hopes to encourage yet more learners and apprentices to step forward and compete for next year's Worldskills Oldham Squad.