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There are still a few hurdles (or competitions) to negotiate but three of Southern Regional College's finest apprentices have been selected for the UK Worldskills Squad from which the UK Team that will compete in São Paulo will be selected. Worldskills is held every two years and in 2015, like the World Cup now and the Olympics in 2106, it will be held in Brazil. Worldskills is a showcase of the skills of young people. Every 2 years over 1000 18-25 year olds across the globe compete in over 40 skills ranging from Aircraft Maintenance and Beauty Therapy to Web Design and Welding.
At the recent squad Selection Competition Shane Brannigan, Hilltown, Gary Doyle, Ballyward and Brendan Magee, Mayobridge, fought off competitors from across the UK to make it into the Squad. To make it to Brazil, the trio will have to undergo intense training programmes supported by Training Managers and Performances Coaches between now and May 2015. This will be nothing new to the trio who have had previous successes in skills competitions: Brendan who is employed by Ryan O’Gorman Painting and Decorating won the Northern Ireland Gold medal for Painting and Decorating in 2013; Gary who works for Kieran Trainor Plumbing won this year’s Plumbing Gold medal and was crowned Young Apprentice of the Year at the recent Northern Ireland Skillbuild competition; and, Shane, employed by Martin Johnston Plumbing and Heating is the best plumber in the UK having won UK Gold in Birmingham last November ( Gary got the Silver).
Mr John Quinn, Director of Employer Engagement & External Relations at Southern Regional College, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Shane, Gary and Brendan are in the UK Squad for Worldskills. Their commitment and professionalism as well as the support of their employers and our staff will give them opportunity of making it onto the UK Team and participating in the experience of a lifetime in Brazil. The only disappointing aspect is that Shane and Gary are competing with each other – the best two young plumbers in the UK! Brendan faces a challenge from two other apprentices from England. I wish Shane, Gary and Brendan every success in the year ahead, may the best apprentices win! ”
Keith Smith, Official Delegate, WorldSkills UK said: “By taking part 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. I offer my congratulations to everyone who has been selected to compete in the Squad UK Selection for WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015 and I wish them the best of luck in their preparations for the Competitions.”
Participating in WorldSkills enables countries to share best practise in Apprenticeships and vocational teaching, raising standards on a global scale. The competitions showcase the high levels of performance that can be achieved by individuals and organisations through quality training, inspiring young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level.
