International final: Wall and Floor Tiling

Italy, Bolzano: 3-6 November

Aaron is 20 years old and a former Southern Regional College student from Killylea. He is a former WorldSkills UK national finals gold medal winner, and the recipient of the Craft Awards Montgomery Award for Excellence in Wall and Floor Tiling.

After his GCSEs Aaron wanted to secure a career that would always be in demand. Now working full time as a tiler in Armagh, he is training hard for his international competition debut. 

In the future, he aims to become a lecturer in honour of those who encouraged him to take part in WorldSkills UK competitions. His experiences competing have broadened his network and horizons, giving him the confidence to push himself.

International final: CNC Milling

Germany, Leonberg: 10-15 October

22-year-old Abi Stansfield is from Chaigley in the Ribble Valley, and a BAE Systems apprentice. She won bronze in the WorldSkills UK competitions in 2019 and has since been training to compete at an international standard. Abi is a role model for many young women considering careers in engineering and manufacturing.

Abi’s interest in engineering began as a stock car racer at the age of 12. Through her apprenticeship with BAE Systems she has gained a broad experience of skills. Now, she specialises in CNC toolmaking.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology involves shaping metal and other solid materials to create products used in almost every aspect of modern life. The competition final will be against youngsters from 25 other countries. 

Being involved in national competitions gave her career a boost and the confidence to take on 22 finalists in the International final.

International final:  Robot System Integration

Luxembourg: 17-20 October

Adam is 21 from Ballymena and a student at Northern Regional College, Northern Ireland. In May 2021 he competed in the WorldSkills UK regional heats before securing second place in the national finals. In 2022 he was selected for Team UK and began competition training at an international standard. 

For him, the international finals are a chance to put the UK and Northern Ireland on the map as a global giant in Robot Systems Integration. 

Taking part in the WorldSkills UK competitions have helped him work smarter, harder and develop his technical skills. In particular, the soft skills needed to deal with pressure. After the competition, he aims to build a successful career in robotics and automation.

International Final: Electrical Installations

Austria, Salzburg: 24-26 November

Alex is 21 and a J Norris Electrical employee from Glastonbury in Somerset. He placed fourth in the WorldSkills UK regional heats in 2019 and in 2022 was selected to train with the UK squad. 

Following in the footsteps of his electrician father, he took an apprenticeship in Electrical Installation at Bridgwater and Taunton College.  

Getting involved in competitions made him realise the variety of jobs and opportunities available to skilled electricians. In the future he aims to establish his own company.

Alex will be competing against 23 other youngsters from around the world in the final.

International Final: Cooking

Switzerland, Lucerne: 23-26 October

Ashleigh is 23, a cook and from Halifax. In 2019 she won gold in the WorldSkills UK national finals and was selected for the UK squad the following year. 

In the international final, she will test her skills against competitors from 31 other countries. 

Competing at an international level has been a brilliant experience. Not only has she developed technical skills, other competitors have helped broaden her experience as a cook. 

Taking part in competitions at this level has been a brilliant experience, helping to broaden her experience as a cook as she learns from other competitors. 

The competition chefs will need to demonstrate outstanding skills in food preparation, production and in the final presentation and flavour.  

International final: Electronics

Switzerland, Bern: 19-22 October

Welsh lad Ben is 23 and from Swansea. In 2019 he joined Team UK and has trained for three years to elevate his technical skills to an international standard. 

Electronics specialists, like Ben, work in a wide range of industries supported by specialist technical equipment. Almost every aspect of today’s world uses and relies on electronics technology.

The scale of the international competition has pushed his spirit and he aims to be crowned best in the world. In the final, competitors will have to show extensive technical ability, work with a high degree of accuracy and precision and conform to detailed specifications and standards. 

International final: Pâtisserie and Confectionery

Switzerland, Lucerne: 10-15 October

21-year old Ben is from Stockport and currently works for Harrods. In 2019 he won silver at the UK national finals, and joined Team UK to train for the international competition. 

The patisserie and confectionery expert went up again rivals from 15 other countries in the final. Competitors were tasked to create hot and cold treats from edible materials, using specialist equipment. 

A high degree of specialist knowledge and skill was required and Ben’s ability was noteable. His experiences in Switzerland and throughout the competition have elevated his skills, which are in high demand back in the UK. 

International final: Robot Systems Integration

Luxembourg: 17-20 October

20-year-old Cameron, is from Ballymena and a former Northern Regional College student. Competing with WorldSkills UK secured his place at Ulster University, with a work placement at Sensata Technologies. 

In 2021 he won silver in the national finals and began training for the international competitions. Early in 2022 he joined Team UK. 

Competition training has pushed him to be the best both academically and in technical skills. The experience of going up against 22 of the best young robot integrators from around the world, has been invaluable to his development.

International final: Manufacturing Team Challenge

Wales, Wrexham: 1-4 November

Welshman Charlie is 24, a former Magellan Aerospace employee who now works for Kronospace. He began competing and training with WorldSkills UK in 2019. 

Earning a place with Team UK has given Charlie a career advantage and experiences that cannot be replicated at work. “I am absolutely ecstatic to have made it to Team UK. All the lads have done brilliantly, and we can’t wait for the training ahead of the competition.”

With Team UK, he has undergone intensive training with teammates, and fellow countrymen, Mike Jones and George Denham. The Manufacturing Team Challenge will test the trio with tasks that show they can design and develop processes, within time and budget restrictions, to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

International final: Plumbing and Heating

Germany, Lahr: 2-4 November

Connor is 22, a former student at Moray College who works as a plumber in Aberdeenshire. He won gold in the WorldSkills UK national finals in 2019. 

Opting for a plumbing apprenticeship, Connor knew he was better suited to a hands on job. Since joining Team UK, he’s taken part in intensive training for the international competition. Training that’s honed his technical talent and taught him how to deal with pressure. With a final made up of 20 of the best young plumbers from around the world, it’s an invaluable skill.   

Team UK has a strong record in the plumbing and heating competition with a gold in Sao Paulo in 2015, and a bronze in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

International final: Car Painting

Denmark, Silkeborg: 18-21 October

Craig is 22, from Newtonards in Northern Ireland, and is the 2019 WorldSkills UK national final gold medal winner. 

Following his father into mechanics, Craig chose an apprenticeship route to gain hands-on experience and avoid the debt of University.  

It was during his apprenticeship that he started competing with WorldSkills UK. Initially, the pressure of competition was daunting, it’s since boosted his confidence. Now, his ambition is to own his own business specialising in prestige vehicles. 

Craig will be representing the UK, following in the talent of previous homegrown winners: a bronze in 2015, and silver in 2017 and 2019.

International final: Hairdressing

Finland, Helsinki: 20-23 October

22 year old Ellie is from Grimsby, and the UK representative for Hairdressing at WorldSkills 2022 in Finland. 

At the last championship in Kazan 2019, Team UK member Phoebe McLavy won bronze in the hairdressing final. Ellie, who works at Sibley Hair in Cleethorpes, feels ready for the challenge of international competition:  

“The whole experience up to this point has been amazing and I can’t wait to carry on with my journey. Competing against 20 other talented hairdressers from across the world is going to be a brilliant and brand-new experience.”

International final: Aircraft Maintenance

Wales, Cardiff: 1-4 November 

Ewan is an experienced aircraft engineer, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire and is the UK representative at WorldSkills 2022.

A qualified skydiver, Ewan embraces every opportunity afforded to him such as serving in the USA, France and the Middle East. Training with Team UK has fuelled his high flying spirit:

“I’m very competitive in nature – I want to be the best. I am also very patriotic, and WorldSkills UK is ensuring that we are prepared to take on the best of the world by incorporating international best practice in everything we do.”

Best practice from past winner Haydn Jakes who won gold for Team UK in the 2019 Kazan championships. After receiving an MBE in 2020, he joined the WorldSkills UK Training team working with Ewan in preparation for the final.

International final: Manufacturing Team Challenge

Wales, Wrexham: 1-4 November

George is 22, a former GE Aviation employee who now studies at Swansea University. He has competed with WorldSkills UK since 2019 and is now a member of Team UK. 

Earning a place in the UK squad has boosted George’s career prospects and confidence: “I am over the moon and so proud to have made Team UK. Competing in the international final is the result of three years of hard work all coming together.”

With Team UK, he has undergone intensive training with teammates, and fellow Welshmen, Mike Jones and Charlie Samson. The Manufacturing Team Challenge will test the trio with tasks that show they can design and develop processes, within time and budget restrictions, to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

International final: 3D Digital Game Art

Korea, Goyang :13-16 October 

Medallion of Excellence

George is 21, from Fife and a University of West of Scotland student. In 2019 he won bronze in the WorldSkills UK national finals. He joined Team UK that year, to train for the international competitions.

Focussed on going up against the best in the world, George trained hard with leading experts in his field to prepare for the final. Competitors from 15 countries had to show skills in technology and geometry, and creativity, to make a captivating animated experience in a video game. 

His hard work is an inspiration to those interested in this growing industry, as he secured a medallion of excellence. The medal is only awarded to those judged to have reached the international standard.  

International Final: Jewellery

Switzerland, Geneva: 13-16 October

Bronze medal winner

George is 23, from Wateringbury in Kent and works for B M Bijoux on Bond Street, London. 

He came fourth in the WorldSkills UK national finals in 2019 and was the bronze medal winner in the international finals in 2022. His impressive technical skills in crafting precious metals beat 11 rivals from around the world. The work was intricately detailed and required a high level of skill, focus, and concentration. 

International competitions have boosted his skills to world-class standards. Inspiration comes from competition challenges and learning from other finalists. 

International final: Floristry

Finland, Helsinki: 20-23 October

Hannah is 21, from Evesham in Worcestershire who developed a love for floristry after a work experience placement as a youngster. 

In 2019, her tutors at Moreton Morrell College encouraged her to compete in the national finals. Her final project earned her a place on Team UK to train for the internationals in Finland. 

Having overcome dyslexia and years of speech therapy, she is an inspiration to young florists. Her experiences competing gave her the confidence to branch out as a freelancer, and she now works at big events and weddings.

International final: Cabinet Making

Switzerland, Basel: 11-14 October

Gold medal winner

James is 22, a former Moulton College student from Northampton. In 2020 he earned a place on Team UK and began intensive training to develop world-class skills. In 2022, he won gold, becoming the world’s best cabinet maker at the international final. 

The training and competition journey has been long, but thanks to his training manager James felt in a good position to take on his competitors in Switzerland. His outstanding work has put the UK back on top in the category – not seen since Team UK secured gold in the 2015 final in Brazil.

His dedication and ability has inspired confidence in the UK’s skills economy and demonstrates how home-grown talent can reach the highest levels.

International final: Mechatronics

Germany, Stuttgart: 4-7 October

Josh is 24 and undertaking an apprenticeship at Toyota UK. He studied at De Ferrers Academy in his home town of Burton-on-Trent. In 2017 he won gold in the national mechatronic final, which earned him a place in the UK squad. 

For the international final, he took on a new challenge, pairing with Oliver Newdall to compete as a duo. They did a fantastic job representing the UK in a discipline that is future proof for the UK’s economy. The competition tested their ability to build automated systems using mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and computer technology. 

Following the family tradition, Josh always wanted to work in the automotive industry. An apprenticeship suited his learning style better than university, and has given him opportunities to develop through competition.

International final: Mechatronics

Germany, Stuttgart: 4-7 October

Bronze medal winner

24-year-old Kamil Zmich from Sheffield is one of the world’s top maintenance technicians after winning bronze at the WorldSkills international final.

Working with Liam Whitby, the two men from Derbyshire took on seven other countries in the new Industry 4.0 category. Competitors had to design and implement systems, introducing both software and hardware, and supporting programmes, especially those which look at risks such as cybersecurity. 

Kamil is one of Team UK’s most decorated members with a gold, silver and bronze medals in the national final of the mechatronics skill competition. He thrives on the thrill and pressure of competition and performing in front of others. Kamil works for Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK and studied at UTC Sheffield.

International final: Construction Metalwork

USA, Ohio: 17-20 October 

Keiran is from Lancashire and is undertaking an apprenticeship in Welding and Fabrication with WEC Group. He was selected to represent the UK at the international WorldSkills 2022 final in Ohio.

He was inspired to join the competitions by fellow WEC apprentice Tyler Atkinson who represented the UK at the 2019 final. 

Kris Mercer, WEC Group’s training manager, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Kieran’s achievements, having a WEC Group apprentice represent the UK for the second time running is a great testament to our ongoing commitment to training the next generation of engineers. 

“Kieran is an absolute credit to our Engineering Academy and has shown how hard work and determination can lead to incredible progression and life-changing opportunities.”

International final: Chemical Laboratory Technology

Austria, Salzburg:  24-26 November

Lavanya, aged 22, is from Bangalore, and a Middlesex University graduate who now works for Diagnositcs 360 in London. 

Her ambition and talent is an inspiration, as she moved to London in 2017 to improve her education and career prospects. During the Covid-19 pandemic she was frontline, working to ensure test results were swift and accurate. Her experience of working under pressure will be invaluable in the final.

Lavanya is looking to secure the UK’s first medal in the competition, following the lead of Tonicha Roberts who secured a medallion of excellence in 2019.

International final: Mechanical Engineering CAD

France, Bordeaux: 19-22 October

Lewis is 23 from East Kilbride, a former New College Lanarkshire student who now works for Probe Test Solutions Ltd in Hamilton. 

The young design engineer was encouraged by his lecturers to compete with WorldSkills UK. And, in 2019 he won silver at the national final in Birmingham, which secured his place on Team UK. 

The UK has a strong record in the competition. In preparation, Lewis has undertaken intensive training to elevate his technical skills and confidence to take on 21 young engineers from around the world.

International final: Web Technologies

Korea, Goyang: 13-16 October

Medallion for Excellence 

Lewis is 22, from Portsmouth and a former Highbury College student where he studied for a BTEC in IT. In 2017 he was the rookie outsider who took gold in the national final. 

He first heard about WorldSkills competition through course alumni Dan Levings, who competed in the 2015 final in Brazil. Being part of the competition programme has raised his self esteem, pushed his skills to new levels and given him confidence to try new things.  

Lewis has proven to be a talented web developer – earning a medallion of excellence. The medal is only awarded to competitors judged to have reached the international standard. In a competition of 24 youngsters from around the world, he has proven the UK is a great training ground for web developers.

International final: Mechatronics

Germany, Stuttgart: 4-7 October

Bronze medal winner

Liam, from Langley Mill is one of the world’s top maintenance technicians after winning bronze at the WorldSkills international final.

His teammate was Kamil Zmich from Sheffield, and together they took on competitors from seven other countries. The new Industry 4.0 category requires finalists to design and implement systems, introducing both software and hardware, and supporting programmes, especially those which look at risks such as cybersecurity. 

“I am so ecstatic to have made it to Team UK and that all the hard work has paid off. I always want to be the best I can and to push myself and compete internationally is another opportunity for me to do just that.”

The skills demonstrated by Liam show how he is future proofed for the UK’s economy.

International final: Cyber Security

Korea, Goyang: 13-16 October

Medallion for Excellence – 4th place

Luke is 20, a former Walsall College student and a 2019 WorldSkills UK gold medal winner. 

Luke joined Sai Putravu to compete as a duo in the international team competition. They proved to be a winning combo, finishing fourth and earning a medal of excellence. The medal is only awarded to those judged to have reached the international standard. 

Training with Team UK allowed Luke and Sai to develop technical and softer skills, such as team work, time management and working under pressure. The pair could also share best practice through their different experiences of cyber security. Skills which helped them succeed in the competition, and prove the UK is fast becoming a talent pool for this essential skill.

International final: Manufacturing Team Challenge

Wales, Wrexham: 1-4 November

Mike is 26, a talented Aircraft Engineer from South Wales, who now works for GE Aviation. 

His commitment to competition training is formidable. His day job sees him repairing engines for Boeing 737s and Airbus 380s. His spare time involves intensive training with teammates, and fellow Welshmen, Charlie Samson and George Denham.  

“Everything I am doing is far beyond what I would have done at college or university. The technical level is extraordinary. To represent the UK is fantastic and winning a gold medal would be life-changing.”  

The Manufacturing Team Challenge will test the trio with tasks that show they can design and develop processes, within time and budget restrictions, to enhance manufacturing efficiency.

International final: Digital Construction

France, Bordeaux: 19-23 October

Mona is 23, from Motherwell and works for Balfour Beaty. She made Team UK, as the representative for Digital Construction, after beating all the men who competed in the national finals. 

An avid video game enthusiast, Mona is a role model and pioneer. She is representing the UK, as the only female, in the first international competition in her specialist subject. The Building Information Modelling (BIM) final tests ways to create and manage information about a project throughout its construction. 

The competition programme has boosted her confidence – and career – where she has three multi-million pound projects under her name.

International final: Mechatronics

Germany, Stuttgart: 4-7 October

Oli is 23 from Borrowash and is an award winning apprentice with Toyota. In 2021 he won gold in the Mechatronics national final, which earned him a place on Team UK. 

For the autumn internationals, he took on a new challenge, pairing with Josh Sibley to compete as a duo. They did a fantastic job representing the UK in a discipline that is future proof for the UK’s economy. The competition tested their ability to build automated systems using mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and computer technology.  

For Oli, the scale of the competition was a new experience, taking him out of his comfort zone. The opportunity to meet other finalists and learn from Team UK has been invaluable.

International final: Joinery

Switzerland, Basel: 11-14 October

Medallion for Excellence

Ross Fiori is 22, from Langley-on-Tyne in Northumberland, and a former Carlisle College student. He is a 2019 national finals silver medal winner, and has been training with team UK since 2020. 

Finalists need to display fine attention to detail to achieve an excellent finish, with every step of the process scrutinised. Ross’s completed piece earned a medallion of excellence. This is only awarded to competitors judged to have reached the international standard. 

Taking part in competitions has given him opportunities to learn and hone new skills. The result has been a career boost, where he now has more complex jobs with Langley Furniture Works. His talent and and commitment to improve his skills, is an inspiration.

International final: Cyber Security

Korea, Goyang: 13-16 October

Medallion for Excellence

19-year-old Sai is from Bristol, a self described ‘ethical hacker’, who now studies at the University of Manchester. In November 2021 he won gold in the national final, where he was asked to join Team UK. 

Sai joined Luke Jowett to compete as a duo in the international team competition. They proved to be a winning combo, finishing fourth and earning a medal of excellence. The medal is only awarded to those judged to have reached the international standard. 

The competition involved many challenges to test the vulnerability of computer programs and ICT systems. The world’s dependency on IT places a significant obligation on service providers to safeguard their systems. Sai has proven the UK is fast becoming a talent pool for this essential skill.

International final: Restaurant Service

Switzerland, Lucerne: 23-26 October

Simona is 23, from Glasgow, and a Chef de Rang employed at the prestigious,  5-star Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. 

It was during her studies at City of Glasgow and Edinburgh Napier University that she first competed with WorldSkills UK. In 2019 she won gold at the national finals in Birmingham. Since then, she’s been training with Team UK for her chance to compete at an international level. 

Her training managers and parents installed in her a drive to succeed and a determined work ethic. The benefit of her competition experience was the skills and confidence to apply for her current job.

International final: Painting and Decorating

Italy, Bolzano: 3-6 November

Cornishman Thomas, is 23, a former Penwith College student and  silver medal winner from the 2019 national finals. He was selected in 2019 to represent the UK where he has been training with Team UK for the final in Italy. 

His dedication to training is impressive, as he has travelled the length of the UK from Penzance to Dundee to meet with his coaches every month for 2 years. His employer, Steve Williams Decorators, have been supportive, encouraging him to develop his skills ready to represent the UK. 

Team UK has a proud record winning in this competition, with past winners receiving a medallion of excellence in 2015, 2017 and 2019. The medal is only awarded to those judged to have reached the international standard.

International final: Welding

USA, Ohio: 17-20 October

22-year-old Will is from Stapenhill in Derbyshire, a Rolls-Royce PLC employee and WorldSkills UK national finals bronze medal winner. 

Only when he joined Rolls-Royce, did he hear of competitions for welding. Entering the competition allowed him to learn and hone new technical skills. Following his third place win in 2021, he was promoted at work. 

He is an inspiration to others, like him, who dropped out of school with no clear future. His uncle helped him find a successful career path in welding, and the opportunities through competing have been invaluable. In the USA, he represented the UK to compete against youngsters from 25 other countries.