Following five days of intense competition against almost 1,000 of the world’s most skilled young people, the nation’s team of talented apprentices and learners will return from WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 with a haul of eight medals and 25 medallions, including three golds.
WorldSkills takes place every two years and is the world’s largest skills competition. It is held around the globe to celebrate skills and share best practice between industries and countries.
This year’s event was held from 11-16 August and after four days of intense competition, Team UK, whose members are all aged 18 – 25, won three Gold, four Silver and two Bronze medals. The team was also awarded 24 Medallions for Excellence, which are given to competitors who demonstrate the attainment of world-class standards in their chosen skill.
In a letter to each individual competitor, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Team UK demonstrates how the best of our apprentices and vocational learners can compete at the highest international level. The skills they were competing in are vital for the long-term success of our economy. It is also important to remember that they are role models for the next generation of apprentices and vocational learners, who will be inspired by the team’s achievements in Brazil.”
Team UK’s achievements included for Plumbing and Heating, Gary Doyle; and for Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Chris Baillie.
40 individuals were selected to compete as Team UK at WorldSkills São Paulo in 37 skills, after an intensive training programme working with individually dedicated training managers, which lasted up to two years. All were chosen based on a high personal skill level, competitive attitude and maturity.
Skills Minister, Nick Boles said: “Congratulations to Team UK on its impressive medal tally and achievement at WorldSkills São Paulo. Their hard work shows how far apprenticeships and professional and technical training can take young people, and the skills they are learning will help drive them towards an exciting and rewarding career.”
Selection for the next Team UK, to compete at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi in 2017, will start at The Skills Show 2015, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 19 to 21 November 2015. Visit www.findafuture.org.uk for more information and to book a free ticket to the event. For more information on WorldSkills visit worldskillsuk.org