The members of Team UK taking part in WorldSkills London 2011 were named by Skills Minister John Hayes MP during the National Apprenticeship Awards on June 29.
The competition, which takes place at the ExCeL Centre in East London from October 5-8 2011, will be the world’s biggest international skills competition. Young people from all over the world will compete against each other in their fields of expertise.
At the competition, 1000 competitors from over 50 countries / regions will compete in 46 skill areas over four days. Advice and guidance on careers and apprenticeships will also be on offer to those that attend.
Mr Hayes said: “To support the ambitions of young people everywhere in our country, we have created a record number of apprenticeships, and we are building the best skills training system we’ve ever had.”
Puja Varsani, Team UK Member in Mobile robotics spoke of her desire to see specialist skills being promoted in the same way as sporting talent: “I hope this opportunity will allow me to showcase how vocational training can lead to successful employment and career opportunities.”
Those involved in representing UK manufacturing and engineering talent at the event are listed below:
Aircraft maintenance: Kerry McStea – RAF
Autobody repairs: Ross Varnam – Parker Motor Services
Automobile technology: John Couldridge – Inchcape Honda
CNC milling: David Nicholl – Schlumberger
CNC turning: Phillip Spowart – Rolls-Royce
Electronics: Andrew Fielding – MBDA UK
Manufacturing Team Challenge: Kai Burkitt – BAE Systems
Manufacturing Team Challenge: Rachel Carr – BAE Systems
Manufacturing Team Challenge: Sam Andrews – BAE Systems
Mechanical engineering design – CAD: Ryan Sheridan – Motherwell College
Mechatronics: Chris Downey Northern Regional College
Mechatronics: Mark Maginty – Russell Electrical Contractors
Mobile robotics: Darren Lewis – Middlesex University
Mobile robotics: Puja Varsani Middlesex University
Welding: Jake Rambaldini Doosan – Babcock Energy
Team UK is made up of 43 competitors aged 18-25 who are currently in training to represent the UK at WorldSkills London 2011, a unique competition where young people from across the world compete to become the best of the best in their chosen skill.
George Archer
