WIREDGOV

The UK was celebrating after its team of apprentices and young employees enjoyed success at WorldSkills Leipzig 2013, which took place from 2 – 7 July in Germany. 

After four days of intense competition, Team UK, who are all aged 18 – 25, won  two Gold, one Silver, three Bronze Medals and 17 Medallions for Excellence in skills ranging from Bricklaying, Autobody Repair and Aircraft Maintenance. Medallions for Excellence are awarded to those competitors who reach the world class standard in their skill.    

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "British ambition and ingenuity has once again taken on and beaten the best in the world and I extend my congratulations to Team UK. As we compete in the global race, this Government is on the side of ambitious young people who want to work hard and get on and we will continue in our efforts to build the biggest and best apprenticeship programme."

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:  “They Team UK have demonstrated that when it comes to skills Britain has world-class ability. Vocational skills are important to the success of every business. That's why in these difficult times I have prioritised apprenticeship funding, so that employers can access the country's talent to help build a stronger economy."

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said:  "Congratulations to Team UK on their fantastic achievements at WorldSkills. They have played a hugely important role in promoting the importance and value of vocational skills and practical learning to young people, their parents and employers.”

WorldSkills, which took place from 2 – 7 July in Leipzig, Germany, is the world’s largest international skills competition.  The Competition is held in cities around the globe and the competition sees over 1000 young people compete in a range of skills to be named the ‘best in the world’ in their chosen skill.  The WorldSkills Competition enables competing countries to share best practice in Apprenticeships and vocational teaching raising standards on an international scale.

Ashley Terron, Team UK Member and Gold Medalist in Bricklaying, said:  “To win Gold in Bricklaying is just amazing.  It still hasn’t really sunk in that I am the best young bricklayer in the World.  The last few months have been really tough fitting my training for WorldSkills around work and family responsibilities but it has been totally worth it.  I want to show the UK how Apprenticeships and vocational training can enable young people to gain a real qualification and a real future.”    

For more information and the full Team UK medal table please visit World Skills UK.