British engineers are heading to Brazil for the chance to compete on the global stage at the ‘Skills Olympics’.

The elite 13-strong team will compete before 100,000 spectators and hundreds of members of the world’s media. Years of dedication, hothouse training and success in regional heats have taken the team from Birmingham, where the UK Finals were held, to the WorldSkills Final in Sao Paulo.

Semta, the not for profit organisation, engineering skills for the future which drives the competition in the UK, says WorldSkills epitomises how nations treat their skilled young.

Ann Watson, CEO of Semta said: 'Britain should look and learn - the status of young engineering apprentices is far higher in other countries than it is here. If the Government is to achieve the challenging target of three million new apprentices during this Parliament – we will have to achieve a cultural shift in the country’s attitude to vocational training.'

She continued: 'Young engineers are lauded by other countries – given superstar status, feted by the media – and applauded by the public. The standing that engineering holds is often mirrored by the performance of a nation’s manufacturing base and economy – these young people need to be granted iconic status.

'Semta wants other young people to want to emulate TeamUK – and get energised by engineering.'

The competition – which has competitors from 80 nations - takes place from 11th to 16th August.