Evanna wins a UK silver for her skills in health and social care

With aspirations of becoming a counsellor or social worker, Evanna Lewis is on the right path to a rewarding career winning a silver award for her health and social care skills at the WorldSkills UK national finals.

The competition, held in Manchester, hosts a culmination of students and apprentices from across the UK who have been successful in previous regional competitions.

Evanna played a shining part in the awards evening where the top three medallists in each category were announced and presented with their medals. 

Starting college as a Fresh Start student allowed Evanna to have an introduction to college life, she then progressed to achieve a childcare level one qualification and is now studying level two health and social care course.  As part of this, she is also on an accredited level two introduction to counselling course awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). 

A family member inspired Evanna to think about health and social care as a career and told her how rewarding the work is, which sparked Evanna’s interest in health and particularly mental health. 

Evanna Lewis, who competed in the foundation skills in health and social care, said: “At first, I had to do an online scenario task before competing in person. 

“Then at the competition I had to do another scenario task where l had to review a patient’s care plan and add any additional requirements if needed. 

“At the end of the tasks, the judges asked me questions about how l felt it went and whether l would have done anything differently.

“We were also tested on applying hygiene techniques relating to patient care. 

“Through the whole experience, l enjoyed getting to know my teachers and fellow competitor and by doing this competition it has developed my confidence and communication skills because I’ve had to speak to new people and go to new places by myself so it has helped my confidence a lot as well as it being a good experience and also a good addition to you CV.”

Evanna’s plan is to continue on her health and social journey until she’s ready to take a counselling course and enter either a counselling or social work career.

Coleg Sir Gâr health and social care student Lilly Kendall was also selected to compete in the same category.

Annette Grove, health and social care lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “I am incredibly proud of Evanna for competing in the WorldSkills UK competition and winning a silver medal. 

“Throughout the competition, Evanna demonstrated exceptional skills in communication, problem-solving, and empathy, which are essential in providing high-quality care within health and social care. 

“Evanna also demonstrated an unwavering commitment whilst undertaking training for the WorldSkills UK competition and really going above and beyond. 

“These experiences have equipped Evanna with the confidence and skills needed to excel in the world of health and social care. The competition also highlighted Evanna’s ability to work well under pressure and to make quick decisions in a real-world scenario that can quickly occur within the health and social care sector.”