Chris Bailie, 22, from Belfast is competing to be named the best young Refrigeration & Air Conditioning apprentice in the world and win gold at the world’s largest skills competition, WorldSkills, in São Paulo, Brazil from 11 to 16 August.

Chris was selected to represent Team UK in RAC after excelling in Squad UK and the WorldSkills UK National Skills Competitions, the finals of which take place at The Skills Show. WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition in the world.

Held every two years, the competition sees around 1000 young people, aged 18-25, from all over the world compete for medals in more than 45 different skills including: electrical installation, welding, web design, cooking and bricklaying. By participating in the WorldSkills Competition, the UK is able to share best practice on vocational teaching, raising standards and expertise in further education, skills and apprenticeships on a global scale. Team UK will showcase the UK’s world class vocational and further education system by demonstrating their skills in a range of industries at the Competition.

Carole Stott, chair of Find a Future, which manages the UK’s entry into the WorldSkills Competition said: 'Skills competitions showcase the levels of performance that can be achieved by individuals and organisations through high quality further education, skills training and apprenticeships in the UK. Through skills competitions and the wider work of Find a Future we want to provide every young person with the chance to unlock their potential and get excited about the world of work.'

Chris Bailie said: 'It still really hasn’t sunk in! I hope I can use this opportunity to inspire the next generation of the UK’s workforce and showcase how apprenticeships and training can lead to successful employment opportunities.'

Team UK will be celebrated at this year’s The Skills Show. To register visit www.theskillsshow.com.