Young Apprentices To Compete At International Competition

Nine young apprentices from Northern Ireland are set to take part in an international vocational skills competition in Leipzig, Germany.

WorldSkills Leipzig is the world's largest international vocational skills competition and takes place from 3-6 July.

The nine local competitors on Team UK will take part in four days of competition against 1,000 young skilled people from 53 member countries/ regions.

Members of the Team will attend a reception at 10 Downing Street on Friday.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: "Northern Ireland's representation on Squad UK is the highest of any region in the UK. This is testament to the high standard of vocational training in our colleges and training organisations and to the commitment to excellence shown by our young people."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added: "Every member of Team UK is a role model for vocational skills. The competitors' success is proof of how high quality apprenticeships and vocational qualifications can lead to rewarding and successful careers.

"WorldSkills is a fantastic competition that sends a strong message to young people across the globe that vocational skills and vocational qualifications should be supported, cherished and celebrated."

Northern Ireland's nine competitors will compete in the skills of: wall and floor tiling, plastering and dry wall systems, joinery, carpentry, landscape gardening, autobody repair, car painting and mechatronics (a two person competition).

Minister Farry concluded: "I want to pay tribute to these nine young apprentices who have worked so hard over the last year to secure a coveted place on Team UK. I congratulate them on their commitment and expertise in their skill area and I wish each team member every success in taking on the best in the world in Germany. These young people help to demonstrate to the world that Northern Ireland's workforce has the high level of skills required to compete in the global economy."

(IT/JP)