Engineering elite go for ‘Skills Olympics’ gold

Twelve young engineers are representing the UK at the WorldSkills 2015 competition

A team of 12 young British engineers will do battle in Brazil this week at the WorldSkills 2015 competition, which aims to showcase the value of skills and raise the recognition of skilled professionals worldwide.

The UK team, which has already seen off more than 600 young hopefuls during regional and national heats organised by Semta – the Sector Skills Council for engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, will now go up against competitors from 80 nations in Sao Paulo.

The Engineering TeamUK, and the competitions they will take part in, includes: Shayne Hadland from RAF Benson (aeronautical engineering); Alex Elton from MNB Precision (CNC turning); Christopher Hanson (construction metal work); Balint Bogdan (industrial electronics); Patrick Devanney from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Dominic Trees from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Christopher Renwick from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Andrew Beel from Pacson Valves (mechanical engineering CAD); Robyn Clarke from Toyota Manufacturing (mechatronics); Andy Smith from Toyota Manufacturing (mechtronics); Reece Taylor from Dyer Engineering (welding); and Michael Watson from GKN Aerospace (CNC milling).

Ann Watson, chief executive of employer-led Semta, said: “Britain should look and learn – the status of young engineering apprentices is far higher in other countries than it is here. If the government is to achieve the challenging target of three million new apprentices during this parliament – we will have to achieve a cultural shift in the country’s attitude to vocational training.

“Young engineers are lauded by other countries – given superstar status, feted by the media – and applauded by the public. The standing that engineering holds is often mirrored by the performance of a nation’s manufacturing base and economy – these young people need to be granted iconic status.

“Semta wants other young people to want to emulate TeamUK – and get energised by engineering.”

More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the six-day event which takes place from 11-16 August.