Finley’s medal finish at Skills Olympics

Finley Graham, a student from Glasgow Caledonian University, has been awarded a Medallion for Excellence at the prestigious WorldSkills 2024 competition.

Competing in the IT Network Systems Administration category, Finley demonstrated world-class skills alongside more than 1,500 young professionals from 69 countries at the event, which is often referred to as the "skills Olympics".

The competition took place from September 10-15, in Lyon, France, featuring 62 different skills categories ranging from plumbing to 3D digital game art. More than 250,000 spectators, including industry leaders worldwide, attended the event to witness the showcasing of global talent.

Finley, who is studying BSc Cybersecurity and Networks at Glasgow Caledonian, showcased exceptional talent in IT Network Systems Administration. Their performance contributed to Team UK's impressive showing at the competition.

The Medallion for Excellence is awarded to competitors who meet the highest international standards, marking them as among the best in their field globally. Finley's success highlights Glasgow Caledonian’s strong emphasis on practical, industry-relevant training.

Team UK competed in a range of disciplines. In addition to Finley's achievement, the team secured silver and bronze medals in fields such as joinery, refrigeration, and auto body repair.

Michael McGuire, a WorldSkills mentor, lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, and a key figure in developing the UK's digital construction curriculum, played a vital role in Team UK's success. His work in competition-based learning has influenced both UK students and international educational standards, further enhancing the UK's reputation in the global skills arena.

Commenting on Finley's achievement, Michael said: "Finley's achievement is a testament to the dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence that we nurture at Glasgow Caledonian University. Competing on a world stage and earning this recognition in IT Network Systems Administration is an outstanding accomplishment, not just for Finley but for the future of the UK's workforce. This success exemplifies how skills-based learning can empower our students to lead and innovate in their industries.

“This also reinforces Glasgow Caledonian’s position as a hub for future leaders in technology and innovation. This achievement contributes significantly to the UK's growing reputation in the global skills arena, demonstrating the effectiveness of the country's approach to vocational education and training. As the world continues to recognise the importance of practical skills alongside academic knowledge, successes such as Finley's serve as an inspiration to future generations of students and a testament to the quality of education provided by institutions such as Glasgow Caledonian.”