Former Leicester College apprentice gains place in Team UK at WorldSkills London 2011

30/06/2011

Ross Varnam, who studied an Auto Body Repair apprenticeship in Engineering at the College, has been chosen to compete in WorldSkills London 2011. Ross will be a member of Team UK and will compete in the Autobody Repair category.

The WorldSkills London 2011 event will be taking place at ExCEL from 5 to 8 October 2011. At the competition, 1000 competitors from over 50 countries will compete in 46 skills areas to become the “best of the best.” The event will also offer visitors impartial advice and guidance on careers and apprenticeships.

Ross Varnam, Team UK Member in Autobody Repair said: “I was a finalist in the Body Shop Magazine young panel technician of the year award and from that I was scouted by UKSkills to try out for their squad.  From there I’ve been competing ever since!

“Hopefully I’ll win a gold medal in the WorldSkills competition and who knows after that, we’ll see where it takes me!”

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “Those representing the UK at WorldSkills will play a hugely important role in bringing the value of vocational skills and practical learning to national attention. I offer my warm support and congratulations to every member of the team.

“To support the ambitions of young people everywhere in our country, we have created a record number of apprenticeships, and we are building the best skills training system we’ve ever had.”

The members of Team UK have been and will continue to be supported in their training by Edge, the independent education foundation and Brathay Trust, the premier training and development partner of Squad and Team UK.

For all Team UK profiles details visit: www.worldskillsteamuk.org