Welsh youngsters win record-breaking haul of medals at WorldSkills International

5 Sep 2019 11:10 AM

7 young people from Wales have won a record-breaking haul of medals as part of Team UK at the 45th WorldSkills International, in Kazan, Russia.

WorldSkills is the world’s largest skill competition aimed at raising the profile of skilled youngsters from all corners of the globe to help them reach their full potential.

This year it saw more than 1,600 participants from 63 countries compete in 56 different skills.

Team UK comprised of 37 young people, competing in skill areas from joinery to aircraft maintenance and floristry to cyber security. In total Team UK won 2 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze along with 15 Medallions of Excellence.

Six of the medals won by Team UK came from Wales:

• Phoebe McLavy – hairdressing – Bronze
• Chris Caine – joinery – Medallion of Excellence
• Sam Everton – cookery – Medallion of Excellence
• Thomas Lewis – electrical installation – Medallion of Excellence
• Collette Gorvett – restaurant services – Medallion of Excellence
• Thomas Thomas – plumbing and heating – Medallion of Excellence

Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates recently said:

“Having 7 Welsh competitors in Team UK demonstrates the very talented young people we have here in Wales and the growing strength of our skills base right across the country.

“These young people have represented Wales and their employers on a global scale and demonstrate Wales’ commitment, as a country, to investing in our future generations. 

“To return home with 6 medals, including a Bronze, is a testament to these individuals’ skills, talent and dedication and we are incredibly proud of our Welsh competitors.”