A games development student struck gold.

Staff and students from West Cheshire College’s games development department celebrated after teenager Daniel McCabe, 17, from Neston won gold at the WorldSkills UK national finals.

WorldSkills UK events are intended to play an important role in raising standards and levels of expertise in further education and apprenticeships through competitions and local initiatives.

After taking top spot in the prestigious competition Daniel said: “We prepared so much for this and all the hard work paid off, it is a fantastic achievement.

“I owe my win to my tutors, friends and family who have been a huge support throughout the whole process.”

Neston teenager Daniel McCabe, 17, who won gold at the WorldSkills UK Skills Competition national finals for his computer games development
Daniel McCabe, 17

The competition involved two full days from 9am to 5pm with one hour for lunch when competitors had to develop different computer games and design 3D artwork.

“I was competing with different students from across the country and on the third day we all had to present to each other and the judges,” explained Daniel.

“Whilst we were being marked we were able speak to the visitors explaining all about design and 3D artwork to them.

“When it was announced I had won gold, I couldn’t believe it, I was over the moon.

“I am now in my final year of college and I will either continue studying further here or I would like to go straight into work within the industry as a 3D art designer for games across the world.”

Paul Browne, programme leader for games technology and media at the college said: “Daniel performed extremely well at the final in Birmingham. He is a very talented student and we are delighted with his success.”