Six talented young apprentices and students from Wales have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
This Welsh contingent, all aged under 25, will be heading for glory in France just hours after the Olympic flame is dimmed. They will compete as part of a 31-strong Team UK in a range of disciplines in the event known widely as the Skills Olympics.
Just like their sporting counterparts, the members of Team UK have dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation for this extraordinary chance to proudly represent their nation in their chosen careers.
The UK has been taking part in the WorldSkills Competition since 1953 and the event is used by governments, economists and global business leaders around the world as a litmus test to measure preparedness to optimise future economic growth.
WorldSkills UK, a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments, is responsible for selecting, mentoring and training Team UK. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company is the official partner of WorldSkills UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS said:
“I’m delighted to announce the Welsh contingent in Team UK.
“The dedication and hard work of Ruby Pile, Oscar McNaughton, Rosie Boddy, Max Clarke, Arron Luker and Ruben Duggan exemplify the impact of skills development programs. Their participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 reflects the commitment to excellence and the pursuit of mastery in their disciplines.
“WorldSkills is a testament to skills development in Wales and globally. It provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their expertise and compete at an international level.
“These skilled professionals represent a diverse range of fields, from Additive Manufacturing Aircraft Maintenance, Restaurant Services. Cyber Security and Plumbing and Heating, demonstrating the importance of vocational education and training
As we celebrate their achievements, let’s recognise the vital role that skills development plays in shaping our future workforce and fostering innovation
“Just as we will be celebrating the athletic prowess of our sporting elite in Lyon the week before, we will cheer the talents and dedication of these six young competitors keen to showcase their prize-winning abilities.
“And it's important to acknowledge the impressive representation of their country by considering the ratio of competitors to population. One in five of our national team is Welsh.
“We’re all so very proud of you here in Wales.
“I wish each and every one of our competitors and those from the rest of the UK the best of luck.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to the members of Team UK from Wales who have been selected to compete at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional young people in Team UK; they are fantastic role models. Together with Pearson, we will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK to help drive investment, jobs and economic growth.”
"Our participation in the ‘skills Olympics’ will provide vital insights to ensure we can develop our apprenticeship and training programmes, to make them truly world-class.”
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will host over 1500 young people in over 65 countries, who will compete in 62 different skill disciplines.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the 47th WorldSkills Competition, will take place from 10-15 September.
Team UK
About WorldSkills UK
WorldSkills UK is a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments. It is a world-class skills network acting as a catalyst for raising standards through international benchmarking and professional development, championing future skills through analysis of rapidly changing economic demand and empowering young people from all backgrounds through competitions-based training and careers advocacy. For more information visit www.worldskillsuk.org
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at www.pearsonplc.com