By Kate Moloughney, WorldSkills UK  

Plumbing and Heating - Lee Cuthill

The National Apprenticeship Service has announced the names of the UK’s most talented young skills stars that have earned a place in Squad UK for WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.

WorldSkills is the biggest international skills competition in the world. Held every two years in one of its 61 member countries/regions, the competition sees around 1000 young people aged 18-23 from across the world come together to compete for medals in more than 40 different skills including Electrical Installation, Welding, Web Design, Cooking and Landscape Gardening.

The members of Squad UK were chosen from among the UK’s most talented apprentices, employees and learners after they competed in tough three-day selection events held throughout the UK. They will now spend the next year preparing to take on the very best from across the world, undergoing a specialised training programme supported by a dedicated Training Manager for each skill.

Squad UK competitors will compete for coveted places in Team UK at further selection events which will be held throughout the UK in March 2013. Team UK will then carry on training intensively before heading to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 which takes place from 2-7 July 2013.

Team UK will be hoping to build on the success of WorldSkills London 2011, where the UK won five Gold, two Silver, six Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence in front of an audience of 200,000 which included Prime Minister David Cameron and Skills Minister John Hayes.

The National Apprenticeship Service manages the UK’s entry into the WorldSkills Competition under the name of WorldSkills UK. The competitors that took part in Squad UK Selection were invited to compete after excelling in the WorldSkills UK National Competitions and other industry events. WorldSkills UK National Competitions reward real talent and drive up levels of expertise in further education, skills and Apprenticeships. Skills Minister John Hayes said:

“I want to congratulate all the new members of Squad UK. They are truly inspirational and I have every confidence that they will do us proud and show just what UK workers and businesses can achieve when they compete on the World stage at Leipzig next year.

“Practical skills are vital to our economic success. That’s why, despite tough economic times, the Government is funding the training of more apprentices than at any time in our history.”

Jaine Bolton, Director at the National Apprenticeship Service and UK Official Delegate to WorldSkills International said:

“I offer my warm support and congratulations to every young person that has earned a place in Squad UK.

“By competing in international competitions, the UK is able to showcase the high levels of performance that can be achieved by individuals and organisations through high quality further education, skills training and Apprenticeships. This provides the inspiration for young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level.”

Confectioner/Pastry Cook - Anabelle Wilson

Annabelle Wilson, 18, a Pastry Chef who works at Bachmann's Patisserie in Surrey and who was selected as a Squad UK Member in the Confectioner / Pastry Cook category said:

“It is a huge honour to have been selected as a member of Squad UK. I hope this opportunity will allow me to showcase how skills can lead to successful employment and career opportunities. I know the next year will be tough as I will be in training but I really hope the whole of the country gets behind Squad and Team UK for WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 like they do our sporting teams!”

The majority of Squad UK competitors will compete at EuroSkills, which is being held from the 4-6 October 2012 in Spa, Belgium. This will form part of their pressure testing ahead of the selection for Team UK. Squad UK Competitors in the Confectionery/ Pastry Cook category will also take part in pressure tests at The Skills Show. Competitors from this year’s WorldSkills UK programme will also be showcased at The Skills Show.

The Skills Show runs from 15-17 November at the NEC Birmingham and is a unique annual celebration that inspires people with exciting opportunities in further education, skills and Apprenticeships. Further members of Squad UK will be announced following a second phase of selection in September.

For the list of Squad UK members announced today visit http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk/squaduk