WorldSkills London 2011

WorldSkills London 2011

17 October 2011

Once again, our apprentices from Northern Ireland have done us proud, competing at WorldSkills London 2011. Click this article to see some photos of the action over what was an extremely tough four day international competition, against the rest of the world!

Outstanding results from Northern Ireland lads at WorldSkills London 2011

Philip Green – Gold Medalist in Bricklaying

Stuart Millar – Bronze Medalist in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

WorldSkills is held every two years in various parts of the world – this year the venue was the Excel Centre in London.  Hundreds of young skilled people accompanied by their teachers and trainers, gathered together from around the world to compete and test themselves against demanding international standards. They represented the best of the best, drawn from regional and national skills competitions held in 58 countries/regions.  For Competitors it’s the experience of a lifetime and recognition of outstanding achievement. For visitors, the skills competitions are a truly inspiring experience. A massive 200,000 visitors attended the event in London!

This year Northern Ireland had three finalists competing:  Philip Green from Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast competing in Bricklaying; Stuart Millar from South Eastern Regional College, Lisburn competing in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and Ian McMahon from North West Regional College, Limavady competing in Wall & Floor Tiling.  These three apprentices have already excelled in their trades, being top performers in Regional and National Competitions and then going through an intensive training and selection process to be selected for Squad UK in their chosen skill trade.

Below are some photos of Philip, Stuart and Ian as they progressed through the 4 day competition.

Day 1

ian day 1

Ian McMahon, Wall & Floor TiIling getting started - looking very serious for the road ahead!

philip day 1

Philip Green, Bricklaying - starting off on the right foot!

Day 1 - Stuart

Day one for Stuart - Refrigeration & Air Conditioning - the heat is on!

Day 2

day 2 ian

Ian putting the finishing touches to Big Ben!

day 2 - philip

Philip concentrating hard on the finer touches of bricklaying

day 2 stuart

Stuart day 2 - concentrating!

Day 3

day 3 ian finished tower of london

Ian now finished Big Ben, London Eye, River Thames piece - looking extremely well!

day 3 - philip LON on brickwork

Immaculate bricklaying section now completed by Philip

day 3 philip checking

Now is that level or not ... hhmmm.. maybe just check again!!

day 3 - ian working on his second piece

Ian working on the next tiling piece.

Day 4

day 4 philip making final checks

Philip making the last final few checks

day 4 stuart making final few checks

Stuart making his last checks also ... the pressure is on now!

day 4 philip thumbs up finished

A relieved Philip signalling all done and good to go!

 

All over - the closing ceremony!

philip and stuart with the flag - winners

Two very pleased lads - Philip and Stuart celebrating!

closing ceremony - stuart

Stuart - a very happy Bronze Medalist!

philip and mike burdett

Philip with UK Bricklaying Training Manager Mike Burdett.

philip on stage with flag

An extremely proud Philip on stage at the closing ceremony after receiving Gold!

To find out more about this years WorldSkills competition, visit www.worldskills.org or to find out more about WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzip Germany, please visit http://www.worldskills.org/index.php?option=com_wstv&catid=21&Itemid=368