Chelmsford College Learners Shine at Microsoft HQ in Sharp UK Comp Finals

Four year 2 IT learners from Chelmsford College were delighted to spend the day on the 7th May at Microsoft’s HQ in Paddington London for the Sharp UK Biz App Finals. Igors Kosticins, James Baker, Angelo Altea and Alexander Hawkins were the brave finalists who had the task of presenting their ideas for a modern software to leaders at Sharp UK.

With a warm welcome from the Microsoft and Sharp team, the learners had a quick-recap of the challenge at hand. The learner presentations then begun which saw a variety of software solutions for a range of industries close to them including education, the Royal Navy and inventory counting. All four of the learners showed great courage as they each took the mic to share their ideas and research to their impressed audience. Once each of the presentations had came to a close, they enjoyed a free lunch which kept them re-fuelled for the decisions ahead.

Concluding lunch, the learners heard from inspiring speakers including the winner of last year’s competition who is now working for Sharp, as well as a successful apprentice and how she is finding her journey 2 years in. The Sharp team then had the difficulty of choosing the winners. Upon announcement, they declared that all four of the learners did so amazingly that all of them would receive a prize! Prizes ranged from Amazon vouchers for £80 to £200 and even a Microsoft Go Laptop which was won by Igors who came first place.

Overall, it was a great day out with learners gaining industry insights, presentation experience and prizes for their hard work and determination! Mark Denton, Deputy Head of Digital Tech and Creative Industries at Chelmsford College, praised the event by saying "A huge congratulations to our IT Level 3 Year 2 learners for another outstanding performance at the Sharp competition. Their innovative use of Microsoft Power Platform and their confident, professional presentations truly impressed staff from both Sharp and Microsoft. Our partnership with Sharp helps bridge the gap between education and industry and is making a real impact here at Chelmsford College!"

You can learn more about the day over on TikTok.