Elijah Sumner, 21, a medal-winning apprentice with Motolec in Cardiff, has called for all candidates standing for election to the National Assembly to show their support for apprenticeships by signing the WorldSkills UK Pledge.  

By signing the Pledge, signatories will show they are committed to promoting apprenticeships to young people from all backgrounds, equipping them with the right skills to help the Welsh economy remain competitive now and in the future.

Representing Wales as part of Team UK at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, the world’s largest international biennial skills competition, Elijah was awarded a Medallion of Excellence for reaching the word class standard in Automotive Technology. 

Elijah Sumner said:  “My apprenticeship opened so many doors for me.  Not only can I say I am the best automotive apprentice in Wales but I am one of the best in the world.  I want all young people to have the same chances that I had, that’s why I am asking all candidates to sign the Pledge.”

Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:  “We have seen just how talented apprentices like Elijah are as a result of their success in our competitions. However I strongly believe    that more needs to be done to show young people, whatever their background, the training and career opportunities that an apprenticeship can offer them.  We will work with those who sign the Pledge to champion world-class apprenticeships for young people in Wales.”

If you would like to send a powerful message that skills and young people’s opportunities matter, please tweet your support to @worldskillsuk #skillswork

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