In total, four of the ten SkillWeld 2010 finalists came from the leading energy firm, after beating 170 other hopefuls.

The event aims to highlight the best potential UK representative to compete in WorldSkills, the global skills competition that will be held in London next year.

Iain Miller, chief executive of Doosan Power Systems, said: "The SkillWeld 2010 competition raises the profile of basic engineering skills and apprenticeships that are vital for this country's success in the power industry.

"Doosan Babcock has an ongoing commitment to develop, nurture, and celebrate welding excellence, and we are proud of our winner's achievements and their commitment to growing their skills."

SkillWeld 2010 competitors had to fabricate and weld a carbon steel structure using a variety of processes. Ben Avaient and Jake Rambaldini achieved gold medals after impressing a panel of judges with the quality of their work.

Simon Bartley, chief executive of education charity UK Skills, which helps organise SkillWeld, said: "Now more than ever, skilled industries are crucial to the future success of our economy. Entering skills competitions really does have a tremendous effect on competitors and their employers alike and I congratulate the employees from Doosan Babcock on their success.

"We now look forward to working with SkillWeld in the lead up to WorldSkills London 2011."

Susannah Fairbairn