Danny is no stranger to competition, having won gold at SkillELECTRIC in 2023. This event, organized by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, Electric Center, NICEIC, and Scolmore Group, showcased his exceptional skills. Now, Danny is taking on an even greater challenge as he prepares to head to WorldSkills Lyon to represent the UK in Renewable Energy, becoming the first person ever to do so.
WorldSkills UK is a familiar name in Danny’s family. His Dad, who is also his college lecturer at UHI Moray / SECTT, has always encouraged students to participate in the WorldSkills UK competition. Danny followed this path, starting with his college’s apprentice competition and advancing to the regional and national levels.
Although Danny didn’t meet the age requirements to compete internationally in Electrical, his exceptional skills led to his selection for Renewable Energy. Reflecting on this opportunity, Danny said, “It was a natural progression from electrical, so I am excited to compete in Renewable Energy. It feels like an honour to be the first person to compete in this category.”
Everyone is incredibly proud of Danny, and his family and friends are eagerly planning their trip to Lyon to support him. This achievement is particularly special as it marks the first time his dad has a student on Team UK.
When asked about his preparations for WorldSkills Lyon, Danny shared, “The next few months will be busy with training sessions with my training manager, Chris. In May, I had the opportunity to train in Canada with fellow competitors, which was a fantastic experience.”
Balancing full-time work with training has been hectic for Danny, but his employer, Grants (Dufftown), has been a great support, understanding the demands of his training schedule. Through his WorldSkills UK journey, Danny has learned proper techniques, regulations, and the intricacies of electrical installation in renewable energy, significantly aiding his career progression.
Looking ahead, Danny aims to continue learning and growing with his company, which has supported him throughout his journey. He concluded, “Even if you don’t win a medal, the experience and knowledge you gain are invaluable. The networking opportunities from attending different events are something you can’t learn in a classroom.”
Team UK, powered by WorldSkills UK in partnership with Pearson.
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