Charley’s path wasn’t straightforward. He struggled at school and was unsure about his future, facing challenges in securing an apprenticeship. After studying at a local training provider, his life took a positive turn. With invaluable support from his tutor at Hartlepool College, Charley discovered WorldSkills UK Competitions, a platform that champions skills excellence, innovation, and technical mastery. He advanced through regional heats to reach the National Finals in welding at the NEC in 2019.
Competing helped Charley develop not only advanced technical skills but also essential soft skills such as resilience, time management, and performing well under pressure. He credits WorldSkills UK with shaping both his personal and professional growth, providing industry-relevant experience, lifelong networks, and a strong sense of professional pride.
Eight years on, Charley has progressed from apprentice welder to Project Engineer at RVA, leading complex international projects and recently returning from work in Portugal. Previously, he worked as a Process Specialist at ESAB, one of the world’s largest welding companies. He says the confidence and expertise gained through competitions gave him a competitive edge early in his career. Charley shares “I gained a strong reputation at work for bringing innovative techniques others hadn’t seen, all thanks to my WorldSkills UK training and competition experience.”
Alongside his career, Charley completed a Higher National Diploma in Welding and is now advancing his education by working towards a Master of Engineering at the University of Sunderland. This journey is a clear example of how starting with an apprenticeship can lead to exceptional academic and professional achievements while demonstrating a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and development.
As a passionate WorldSkills UK Skills Champion, Charley embraces his role as an ambassador for skills excellence. He enjoys inspiring the next generation to get involved in skills competitions and apprenticeships, which are both vital routes to building a skilled and future-ready workforce.
“Being a Skills Champion allows me to encourage more people to unlock their potential through apprenticeships and competitions. These opportunities don’t just teach you skills; they transform lives and open doors to rewarding careers,” he says.
“It’s not always a smooth journey, but with hard work and access to the right opportunities like WorldSkills UK, you can achieve excellence and build a successful future. They did for me.”
