Apprentices bring medals back to Derbyshire from WorldSkills UK competition

Talented automotive repair and refinishing apprentices and an engineering apprentice studying with Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College group, have brought two gold and one silver medal back to Derbyshire after competing in WorldSkills UK during the Skills Show at Birmingham’s NEC last week.

After qualifying in regional heats, the apprentices took part in a gruelling three day competition designed to put their skills to the test, under the watchful eye of industry experts. During the event, 500 young people demonstrated 61 different skills in the competition which has been described as the ‘Olympic games of skills’.

Automotive Body Repair Apprentice, Shawn Dyson, working at Chartwell in Derby, and Automotive Refinishing Apprentice, Mike Massey, working at Alton Cars in Ashbourne won gold medals in the competition.

Sam Sibert, an engineering apprentice working at BG Engineering in Chesterfield won a silver medal after competing with the best of the best engineering apprentices from across the UK.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College, said:-

“It is fantastic news that our apprentices have been so successful in such a high profile competition.

“It is testament to their commitment and drive to be the best they can be in their chosen career as well as the support and guidance they get from their employers and tutors that they can compete at this level.

“They showed professionalism and technical know-how in very tough conditions, something that I know will stand them in good stead for their future careers.”

The gold medal winners now have the chance to represent their country at WorldSkills International in Kazan, Russia 2019.