Team UK Achieves Two Silver, Two Bronze Medals and 14 Medallions of Excellence at WorldSkills Lyon 2024

In a remarkable display of talent and skill, Team UK has made its mark on the global stage by securing two silver medals, two bronze medals, and an impressive 14 medallions of excellence at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition. This prestigious event, often referred to as the "skills Olympics," showcased the exceptional abilities of apprentices and students from across the UK, aligning perfectly with the Prime Minister’s vision to rebuild Britain through enhanced vocational training and skills development.

A Showcase of World-Class Skills

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 brought together over 1,500 young competitors from 69 countries, all vying for top honors in 62 different skill categories. The competition, held from September 10 to 15, attracted more than 250,000 spectators, highlighting the global interest in vocational excellence. Team UK, selected, mentored, and trained by WorldSkills UK, demonstrated their prowess in various fields, earning recognition from leading industry experts as some of the most skilled young individuals worldwide.

WorldSkills UK operates as a four-nation partnership, collaborating with education, industry, and government to elevate training standards across the UK. The organization leverages insights gained from international competitions to foster world-class training practices, ensuring that the UK remains competitive on the global stage. Pearson, a renowned lifelong learning company, served as the official partner for Team UK during this event.

Medal Winners and Their Achievements

Team UK’s achievements at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 are a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members. The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding performances:

• Harry Scolding – Silver in Joinery. Harry, who runs his own business, HDS Joinery, honed his skills at Solihull College.

• Ruben Duggan – Silver in Plumbing and Heating. Ruben is employed by Powerserv LTD and trains at Coleg Y Cymoedd in Wales.

• Luke Haile – Bronze in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Luke, a graduate of Eastleigh College, works for Lightfoot Defence in Fareham, Hampshire.

• David McKeown – Bronze in Autobody Repair. David is employed at James McKeown Accident Repair and trains at Riverpark Training in Northern Ireland.

In addition to the medal winners, 14 participants received Medallions for Excellence, recognizing their exceptional skills in various disciplines:

• Lucy Yelland and Ben Love – Mechatronics
• Nathan Young – Mechanical Engineering CAD
• Mark Kiss – Web Technologies
• Daniel Knox – Electrical Installations
• Dior Regan – Painting and Decorating
• Isaac Bingham – Cabinet Making
• Charlotte Lloyd – Hairdressing
• Oska Ready – Cooking
• Miguel Harvey – Car Painting
• Finley Graham – IT Network Systems Administration
• Isabelle Barron – Digital Construction
• Jason Scott and Charlie Carson – Robot Systems Integration

Additionally, Ruby Pile, competing in Restaurant Service, was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best in Nation’ for the UK, a recognition of her exceptional dedication and commitment to skills excellence.

Celebrating Success and Future Aspirations

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith expressed her pride in Team UK’s achievements, stating, “You’ve all showcased exceptional skill, dedication, and creativity, proving that the future is in capable hands.” She emphasized the importance of supporting individuals across the country to access opportunities, regardless of their background.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of high-quality skills development for economic growth. “Team UK’s medal-winning performance in front of a global audience sends a strong message that the UK is a world-class place to invest, develop talent, and create jobs,” he remarked.

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson, praised the sense of community and collaboration at the event. She noted that WorldSkills is not just about celebrating achievements but also about advocating for the critical role of skills in driving economic growth and personal success.

Looking Ahead

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 has set a high standard for future competitions, with the next WorldSkills Competition scheduled for 2026 in Shanghai, China. As Team UK celebrates its achievements, the focus remains on continuing to elevate vocational training standards and nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.

In conclusion, Team UK’s success at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is a powerful reminder of the importance of vocational education and training. With the support of organizations like WorldSkills UK and Pearson, the future looks bright for young talents across the UK, paving the way for a skilled workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.