SkillsFest Inter-College Competition 2026

This Wednesday 4th March, sees the first annual Skillsfest inter-college competition take place at Chesterfield College’s Infirmary Road campus. Just under 200 students from Derby College, Burton and South Derbyshire and Chesterfield College will compete in 24 categories across a wide variety of sectors.

From Brickwork to Beauty Therapy, Plumbing to Performing Arts, competitors will showcase their skills before judges, with winners being awarded on the day. The college with the most points scored will walk away as this year’s Skillsfest champion.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College Group, explains, “We’re honoured to be hosting the first Skillsfest competition, and everyone is excited to get the event underway. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with and compete against their peers, and it will showcase just how good their skills are. Competitions like these are yet another fantastic element that make further education a wonderful place to be, a real celebration of skills and talent.”

Keep an eye on our socials this week as we report from #SkillsFest26 competition categories.

Who will take the trophy this year?