Two students from Tameside College have travelled to France to compete for the UK in the 47th WorldSkills competition.
Ben Love and Lisa Yelland will join 1,500 other participants from 65 countries at the six-day event in Lyon that showcases youngsters with exceptional talent in their chosen vocations.
The contest includes a diverse range of 64 practical disciplines including 3D digital game art, additive manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, bricklaying, cyber security, floristry, hairdressing and stonemasonry.
The duo, who will represent the UK in the mechatronics category after battling through local heats, work at Siemens and attend the college as part of their apprenticeship.
They were also filmed as part of the BBC’s coverage of the competition, which saw them demonstrate their prowess on Tameside College’s mechatronics rigs.
“We are both confident as a team that we are ready for the competition and know we will put our all into it,” Lucy said. “WorldSkills is the best opportunity I have been given in my career and it has taken me on a path I have really enjoyed and benefited from.
“The support from the college has been amazing and is how I became involved in the competition in the first place.
“I am looking forward to putting my skills to the test.”
Tameside College’s principal and CEO, Jackie Moores also sung the pair’s praises.
“Ben and Lucy are a testament to not only the college but their employer, family and friends.
“To progress from the North West competition all the way to the world finals shows they are amongst the very best at what they do, and demonstrates to other students the possibilities available.
“It is brilliant to have the BBC visit the college, especially when it is to film something which is so important to us as a further education provider, and it was wonderful to see them on national television.
“Good luck to Lucy and Ben, everyone at the college will be rooting for you.”
WorldSkills takes place in Lyon between September 10-15, with the opening ceremony livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook tonight from 6pm UK time.
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