MINISTER for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry has congratulated the Northern Ireland competitors who triumphed at the Skills Show in Birmingham. Local competitors brought home six gold, four silver and five bronze medals, as well as six high commendations.
The Skills Show is the UK’s largest skills and careers event, and is designed to reward talent and drive up levels of expertise in further education.
The UK’s most talented apprentices and learners competed at this year’s show which took place at the NEC in Birmingham.
Mr Farry said: “This is an excellent achievement for Northern Ireland.
It is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the high level of skills we possess and the impressive talent of our workforce.
“It ref lects the high standards of training in our colleges and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the competitors. Northern Ireland should feel very proud of such an inspiring performance on the UK stage.
“It takes hard work, determination and a high level of skill to compete against the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners.
“Northern Ireland enjoys an impressive track record at skills competitions at regional, national and world level, and our local competitors’ success at the Skills Show builds on this outstanding record of achievement.”
Over 75,000 people attended the Skills Show and watched over 500 apprentices and learners battle it out in 60 skills competitions, ranging from forensic science to f loristry, with the aim of being named UK Champion in their chosen skill.
Visitors to the show were also able to have a go at different skills and meet with employers and advisers to receive the latest information on apprenticeships and other training opportunities.
Also announced at the show was the UK squad for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world.
Once again Northern Ireland competitors did extremely well with 21 competitors in 12 skill areas being selected to join the UK squad.
They will now undertake an intensive training programme ahead of team selection for WorldSkills 2017.
Mr Farry added: “I would like to congratulate all the competitors on their great successes to date and wish them good luck for the selection for Team UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.”