Team GB have set their sights on bagging gold well before London 2012 as the sector's top apprentices prepare to take on the world at a skills Olympics in London this October.
Six manufacturing apprentices will compete in four events including CNC Milling, Welding and the Manufacturing Team Challenge at WorldSkills London 2011.
The youngster's form part of the 26 strong team GB who will take on 55 other countries in skills including electronics, carpentry and hairdressing from 5-8 October.
Rachael Carr, BAE apprentice and competitor in the Manufacturing Team Challenge told WM the team were upbeat over their chances. "We've seen the Netherlands team competing and their strong. We've also heard South Korea and Australia are good. But we're confident of beating them."
Carr's confidence was fuelled by working alongside her team mates Sam Andrews and Kai Burkitt – both BAE apprentices.
She added: "We've all worked together closely and work brilliantly as a team."
The trio will be tasked with designing and producing equipment assemblies against the clock in the Manufacturing Team Challenge.
Competitors must also perfect draft level computer design, welding, assembly and electronics skills as part of the task.
Roll Royce apprentice, Phillip Spowart, will aim to repeat his 2010 gold medal winning triumph in the CNC Turning competition.
David Nicholl of Schlumberger competes for Team GB in the CNC Milling and Jake Rambaldini of Doosan Babcock Energy Services goes for gold in the welding category.
Adrian Jones, executive director of WorldSkills London 2012 said: ""WorldSkills London 2011 is a fantastic opportunity to see highly skilled young people competing to be the best in their field. This will be the biggest event in London before the 2012 Olympics."
WM is an official partner of WorldSkills London 2011. Sign up to the event by clicking the link below: