Current WorldSkills Squad UK member, David Bowen, is deep in training at the moment - hoping to secure a sought after place on Team UK to represent his country in the web design competition at WorldSkills London 2011. He's hoping a new fitness regime will give him the edge... read the full story in today's guardian!
Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales
Last week, David Bowen headed off to France – though it was far from a relaxing mini break! He and four other members of Squad UK went to take part in WorldSkills France. Their mission - to compete in the French National Finals as part of their rigorous training programme in preparation for WorldSkills London 2011.
Attending this event enabled the squad to gain valuable experience of competing against individuals from other countries.
David, who is currently studying for a BTEC National Diploma in ICT at Coleg Sir Gâr, is honing his skills in web design and hopes to be selected later this year for Team UK, WorldSkills London 2011.
Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales
With thanks to UK Skills for allowing the reproduction of this image.
Tomos Hopkin is celebrating a double after retaining the coveted Welsh Young Butcher of the Year title. The 17 year old talented apprentice from Ponty Butchers, Pontardawe, fought off his rivals for the second time at the final, held at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.
Tomos said, “It was a much tougher competition this year and I felt the extra pressure of defending my title. I tried to do added value cuts showing innovative ideas and I think that this is the way forward. Eventually, I would like to have my own shop”.
The competition is devised Cambrian Training Company, based in Welshpool, and aims to showcase the very best traditional butchery skills in Wales. Hybu Cig Cymru/ Meat Promotion Wales also support the competition.
The standard this year was exceptionally high with only 15 points between first and third places. Runner up was Andrew Perry from Morgans Family Butchers, with Nathan Evans from Narberth taking third place and in fourth place, Ben Roberts from M.E. Evans Ltd, Wrexham.
Arwyn Watkins, Managing Director of Cambrian Training Company, explains… "We have run this competition for five years and this was the best one yet for all-round skills. The important point is that these young butchers have taken vocational jobs in their local communities and are contributing to the economy. It was also great to see their supportive employers at the final." He also revealed that he hopes to take Tomos and Andrew to London next year to showcase their butchery skills in a demonstration area at the WorldSkills London 2011 event.
With kind thanks to Cambrian Training Company for use of image
Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales
Today is the first day of competitions at EuroSkills Lisbon 2010 and Hannah Cook from the University of Glamorgan will be flying the flag for Team UK. Hannah will compete in the Window Display competition, having previously secured a bronze medal in the WorldSkills UK Visual Merchandising competition earlier this year.
It’s an opportunity for Hannah to gain further experience in a pressurised competition environment and to prove her metal, as she hopes that performing well at EuroSkills will secure her a place on Squad UK with an ultimate goal of competing at WorldSkills London 2011.
Hannah says that her family and friends have been really positive about her participation and are really supportive… “I hope to make them proud in Lisbon”. When asked about her ambitions, she says “Short term – to win at EuroSkills. Long term – I aspire to be successful in the fashion industry, in a job that challenges me everyday and that I thoroughly enjoy”. Here’s wishing you good luck in Lisbon, Hannah!
Take a look at this video to find out more about EuroSkills 2010:
Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales
Rhydian Williams and David Bowen attended a prestigious reception event at the House of Commons Terrace last week to celebrate the announcement of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011. Our joinery and web design competitors were greeted with 180 guests who attended the celebration! We've uploaded a couple of photos to flickr - take a look!
Help raise the profile of vocational skills, WorldSkills and skills competitions in Wales
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