Local joinery apprentice goes for gold in Calgary

Trevor Woods, a young joinery Apprentice from Lack, County Fermanagh, today headed off to represent the UK at WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

Skills Minister, Sir Reg Empey, wished the young apprentice every success at the WorldSkills event, which is the largest skills competition in the world.

Trevor, a City and Guilds qualified apprentice at South West Regional College, and employed by McAleer and Teague, Dromore, will face tough competition against the best young skilled people in the world to win a medal for his country. He is part of the 26-strong team which will represent the UK in the 40 official skill categories.

Sir Reg, who will be supporting Team UK in Canada, said: “To be selected for Team UK is an amazing achievement and a testament to Trevor’s abilities and we all now wish Trevor and the rest of the team success in Calgary. Victory at WorldSkills requires not just technical excellence but excellent problem solving skills and an ability to keep a cool head under pressure; skills which will stand him in good stead for his entire working life.

“These competitions offer significant benefits to all who enter. Competitions take those who compete beyond the normal expectation of education and training programmes. There’s also the prospect of recognition for their exceptional skills and for all the young people who take part, it is an invaluable, unique learning experience. For this reason I welcome the decision to hold the 41st WorldSkills competition in London in 2011.”

Along with the other members of Team UK, Trevor attended a send off reception in London last night, which was attended by friends, family, employers, sponsors and celebrity guests, including television chef James Martin, who commented: “It’s fantastic to meet young people who have such passion and drive to excel in their careers. These young people are determined to show how interesting and skilled their chosen trades are and I’m sure they are going to go far at this year’s WorldSkills.”

Notes to editors:

1.The WorldSkills Competition is the biggest skills competition in the world and is held every two years in one of its member countries. It sets world class standards in over 40 skill categories ranging from cabinet making to web design.

2. Over four days of tough competition, young people drawn now from 52 member nations test themselves against tough international standards. The ultimate prizes are gold, silver and bronze medals.

3. A photograph of Trevor is available for download from the Department for Employment and Learning website at WorldSkills competitor Trevor Woods

4. Locations of previous and future WorldSkills competitions:

2003:St. Gallen, Switzerland

2005:Helsinki, Finland

2007:Shizuoka, Japan

2009:Calgary, Canada

2011:London, UK

5.Calgary will host the 40th WorldSkills Competition, from 1 to 7 September 2009.

6.UK Skills is responsible for selecting and training UK candidates for WorldSkills.

7.The UK’s WorldSkills team is managed by UK Skills, working in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and key partners from education, government and industry.

8.City & Guilds support Team UK and are premier sponsors of WorldSkills London 2011.

9. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.