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 come together to compete for medals in more than 40 different skills including Automotive Technology, Electrical Installation, Welding, Web Design, Cooking and Bricklaying. WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 takes place from 11-16 August, 2015.
Minister for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock said:
“The WorldSkills Competition is an opportunity for the UK to showcase and celebrate our young apprentices on the global stage. It goes to show, that for every skill and every vocational area, we can and should celebrate excellence. The young people who have earned a place on Squad UK are ambassadors for our country and demonstrate how high quality apprenticeships can lead to successful careers. I congratulate each and every member of Squad UK.”
Declan will now spend the next 11 months training in his skill supported by their College South West College – Enniskillen/Omagh Campus, employer Bundoran Motors, Co. Donegal, Ireland and a dedicated WorldSkills training manager John Dawson. In May next year the members of Squad UK will compete for a coveted placed in the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.
Ross Maloney, Chief Executive, Find a Future, which manages the UK’s entry into the WorldSkills Competition said:
“I offer my congratulations to every young person that has earned a place in Squad UK. “Skills competitions showcase the high levels of performance that can be achieved by individuals and organisations through high quality further education, skills training and Apprenticeships. 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. “By participating in the WorldSkills Competition the UK is able to share best practise in Apprenticeships and vocational teaching, raising standards on a global scale.
Declan Mcgrath age 20 from Fermanagh, Northern Ireland has been selected as a Squad UK member for Automotive Technology said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected as a member of Squad UK and to represent the Automotive Industry. I know the next few months will be tough as I will fit my training around my role at Bundoran Motors but I’m determined to fight for a place in the team that will go to WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015.” The training programme for Squad UK includes a minimum of 6-7 weeks of intensive technical training also ensuring that we are also mentally prepared.