Leeds students selected for final of WorldSkills UK Competitions

Leeds College of Building is celebrating after the selection of six students for the national final of this year’s WorldSkills UK Competitions.

Following the national qualifiers which took place throughout the UK this summer, the finalists are now in training as they prepare to compete for gold, silver and bronze in their chosen skill.

Taking place from 15 – 17 November at the NEC Birmingham, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the country’s largest experiential skills, apprenticeships, and careers event. The competitions run over three-days in 60 skill areas and in partnership with leading industry brands. This year, over 3,000 students registered nationally to take part.

The students will now compete against peers from all over the UK in front of over 70,000 visitors. The Leeds College of Building finalists from the Yorkshire & Humberside region are:

James Hattersley (carpentry competition category)
Luke Palmer (plastering competition category)
Jake Emery (plastering and drywall systems competition category)
Joseph Turner (roofing: slating and tiling competition category)
Jay Webster (roofing: slating and tiling competition category)
Callum Pearson (wall and floor tiling competition category)

Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building’s competition coordinator and lecturer, said: “We’re delighted to see so many of our students make it through to the national finals. It’s a real testament to the work that they have been doing, and we foresee a bright future ahead for them.

“Last year, we won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal, so we’re hopeful we can show the UK what we’re capable of achieving again! Now the hard work begins in getting these students ready for the finals.”

Dr Neil Bentley, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “I offer my congratulations to Leeds College of Building. Our competitions equip apprentices and students with the lifelong, world-class skills that will drive up training standards to the highest level to help boost UK productivity and competitiveness.”

Eligible finalists who excel in the national finals may then be invited to join the WorldSkills UK training and development programme to represent the UK in the international skills competition, WorldSkills Shanghai 2021.