British engineers win 'huge haul' of medals at Skills 'Olympics'

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The elite of British engineering have grabbed a 'bank vault' of medals and 'done their nation proud' - at the Skills 'Olympics 'WorldSkills 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In a stellar night for Semta's engineering Team UK, 10 of the 12-person squad won medals, the highest in the competition's history.

Among the winners were Patrick Devanney, Chris Renwick, Dominic Trees who took part in the manufacturing team challenge.

More than 200,000 spectators attended the four-day event.

Ann Watson, CEO of Semta, the employer led organisation tasked with skilling engineering and advanced manufacturing, which runs the regional and national engineering heats in the run-up to the WorldSkills Finals, said:

"Take a bow Team UK – you have done Semta and your nation proud. You have surpassed our wildest hopes and most optimistic expectations.

"Four years of dedication, intensive training and triumph in our regional and national heats, have placed you at the very pinnacle of your generation.

"Your efforts and achievement will act as a beacon for generations to come – you are the true stars of the 21st Century – and we need to radiate your passion and success far and wide."

Semta and sister company, specialist-awarding organisation EAL, are planning a special Parliamentary reception to honour the engineering team's achievement.

Ten of the 12 person engineering team are studying or have studied for an EAL qualification (eight winning medals in the bargain).

The next WorldSkills Finals, which take place every two years, take place in Abu Dhabi in 2017.