Motor Vehicle Apprentice Wins Silver at WorldSkills UK Finals
Weston College Motor Vehicle Apprentice, Luke Merchant, has been recognised as one of the top learners for his trade in the UK as he was awarded the silver medal at this year's WorldSkills UK finals.
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.
Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack was just one of four hundred who made it into the finals, which was split into 64 disciplines.
After a challenging selections process Luke, who studies an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle with Carbase, was selected for the Automotive Technology WorldSkills finals that took place at Cardiff & Vale College.
For the finals, competitors had to complete six tasks all relating to auto mechanics including engine mechanical faults, engine electrical faults, body electrical faults, chassis faults & 4 wheel alignment, braking system faults and gearbox faults.
Luke commented: "It feels great and is good to know that my hard work has paid off. WorldSkills was a great experience. It was good to push myself and working under the pressure of the competition has helped developed my confidence and timekeeping skills.
"It was good to go and meet minded apprentices too, and overall an experience I won’t forget."
After the challenging finals were completed, the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 “Packed Lunch” studio on Friday 26 November. It was here that Luke was announced as the national runner up.
Chris Priest, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, added: Luke did brilliantly and really showed that the training we provide at the Automotive Training Centre are up there, competing with the best of the UK.
Luke continued: "It has been really enjoyable studying for my apprenticeship at Weston College, with tutors that care and take the time to answer questions. The workshop and classroom time was divided well and Steve Powell really helped."
Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs.
At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, including WorldSkills competing opportunities.
With national recognition now on his CV, Luke is progressing to work as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes.
Congratulations and best of luck Luke!
Click here to learn more about our full-time courses and apprenticeships in Motor Vehicle
