The WorldSkills UK National Competitions celebrate the best in young talent, with students and apprentices competing in disciplines ranging from engineering, digital and manufacturing through to creative, business and health and hospitality.
The winners were announced following six months of local and regional qualifiers, culminating in two days of intense competition at the National Finals.
The medallists in the WorldSkills UK welding competition were:
Gold: Harry Pullen from Luminate Education Group and Byworth Boilers
Silver: Brandon Nicholson from Coleg Cambria and Fabdec
Bronze: Charlie Baird from National Gas Transmission and Chester College
The WorldSkills UK Competition in Welding is supported by Engineering Skills Competitions, Air Products and BAE Systems.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:
“I would like to congratulate all the competitors in the WorldSkills UK final. They have done an amazing job showcasing their exceptional talent.
“They are all winners in my eyes for choosing a pathway that will build their skills and career potential, allowing them to climb the skills ladder of opportunity.”
More than 6,000 young people registered to take part in the WorldSkills UK Competitions, which for the first time were held in colleges, training providers and universities in Greater Manchester.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “This is a life-changing moment for these young welders. They are the new generation of high flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.
“Our finals not only celebrate the best in young talent, but also provide a vital opportunity to see how skill development in the UK stacks up both domestically and against our international neighbours. Skills will continue to be a key differentiator for business both at home and abroad and through our programmes we are working to ensure that all apprentices and students across the UK can gain access to high-quality technical education and apprenticeships that lead to real success for them and the UK as a whole.”
WorldSkills UK, a partnership backed by education, industry and UK governments, is focussed on raising standards, championing future skills and empowering young people from all backgrounds. Its programme of national competitions plays a vital role in enabling students and apprentices to achieve excellence in their chosen career by testing their personal, technical and employability skills in competitive timed conditions.
