FIVE young people from across Wales, including a 21-year-old from Pembrokeshire, have been selected to travel to Russia to represent the UK in an international skills competition.

Chris Caine from Pembrokeshire, Sam Everton from Ceredigion, Thomas Lewis from Bridgend, Collette Gorvett from Swansea and Phoebe McLavy from Carmarthenshire will travel to Kazan in Russia this August (22-27) to compete in WorldSkills International.

WorldSkills is the world’s largest skill competition aimed at raising the profile and recognition of skilled young people from all corners of the globe.

The five Welsh contestants, who will be competing in joinery, cooking, electrical installation, restaurant services and hairdressing, took part in a UK wide team selection culminating at Loughborough University before becoming part of Team UK. They will now join more than 30 other young professionals from across the UK at the competition in Russia this summer.

Chris Caine, 21, from Pembrokeshire who will be competing in joinery said: “I have always been interested in building work since I was very young. My Dad and I would renovate properties together and it was the woodwork element of this that I enjoyed the most and is why I chose to pursue joinery.
“I am so excited so reach WorldSkills International and have the chance to prove my skills on a global level.

“In the lead up to the international competition I will be training at home in my workshop along with attending competitions in Australia and China to gain extra practice in a competitive environment and receive further feedback to improve my skills.

“I am particularly excited to compete in Australia as they are within the top three countries in joinery so it will be really valuable to see their work and gain some tips from them.”

The young people competing at WorldSkills International have already taken part in regional and national competitions over the past two years and will now face other contestants from across the world in a bid to be named the best in their specialist skill.

More than 55 skills competitions are taking place at the international competition in everything from visual merchandising and welding to aircraft maintenance and hairdressing.

Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “Think Olympic Games – but much more important to the economic future of the United Kingdom.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for all those involved.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these extraordinary young people who will be on the plane to Russia. They have worked tirelessly for weeks, months and years to be the best – they are a shining example to the next generation – let’s celebrate their spirit, commitment, and success.

“We are not only giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential but we also believe that, working with them, we can transfer the insights gained from competing against other countries into the wider UK economy, driving up training standards for young people to world-class levels, giving a much-needed boost to productivity.”

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said: “I would like to add my congratulations to the Welsh competitors on their brilliant achievement.

“Having the opportunity to compete on a global level is a potentially life-changing opportunity and a huge accomplishment for these impressive individuals.

“To have five Welsh competitors in Team UK is magnificent and goes to show the depth of young talent we have here in Wales. With Brexit, seemingly, almost upon us, showcasing Wales as a highly skilled and competitive nation is of added importance, and I wish them the very best of luck in doing just that at this year’s WorldSkills International competition.

“I am sure that the experience and exposure will be invaluable in whatever future career path they choose.”

At the last WorldSkills International, 2017, in Abu Dhabi, Team UK finished in 10th position and is hoping to replicate or better this result.

Team UK will represent the United Kingdom at WorldSkills International in Kazan, Russia in August (22-27).