UK’s best skilled elite from Weston College on road to Shanghai
Three Weston College learners are just a step away from the international final of the prestigious WorldSkills competition. At Weston College we embrace the competition and encourage learners to build resilience and test themselves, so they are ready for employment.
Chloe Williams, Joel Keen and Thomas Griffin have been invited to join the UK Talent Development Programme after progressing through numerous rounds of their respective skills events. The national final was held last month at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.
The trio will now undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK, before finding out if they have won a place in the final UK squad to compete in Shanghai, China in 2021.
Chloe, 19, of Burnham-on-Sea, is competing in the beauty therapy event, Joel Keen, 19, of Bristol, in the CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Milling competition and Thomas Griffin, 19, of Weston-super-Mare, in the web design event.
The WorldSkills international final takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The event features over 1,000 of the world’s most talented apprentices and students, each battling it out to be named the World Champion for their skill. Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal of Weston College, paid tribute to their talent and efforts.
He said: “For Chloe, Joel and Thomas to reach the national final of this pioneering and competitive event is an achievement in itself. But to be selected in the UK team – one step away from a global competition – is testament to their outstanding ability and determination to succeed.
“They are an inspiration to every Weston College learner, and we all wish them luck in final selection.”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Chloe, Joel and Thomas – this is a life-changing moment. They have already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now they are facing an even tougher test as they look to secure their place to represent the UK on the world stage.
“They have dedicated hundreds of hours to improving their skills to get to this level – but will put in many months more of hard work with our training managers in a bid to transform their careers and lives.”
The previous WorldSkills competition was held earlier this year in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 medals. By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK is able to identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government to deliver world class standards in technical education.
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