Thursday, 30 June 2011 13:42

The 43-strong team that will represent the UK in October's WorldSkills competition was unveiled last night by Skills Minister John Hayes.

The UK will compete in a total 37 events at the international skills competition, which takes place at the ExCeL centre in London from 5-8 October.

All aged 18-25 years old, the UK team will take on the world's most highly skilled students, apprentices and employees in skills ranging from mobile robotics to landscape gardening.

Mr 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."

Puja Varsani, a Team UK member for the mobile robotics event, said: "It is a huge honour to have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills London 2011. I hope this opportunity will allow me to showcase how vocational training can lead to successful employment and career opportunities. I know the next few months will be tough as I will be in training for the event and I really hope the whole of the country gets behind Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011 like they do our sporting teams!"

Team UK members are being supported in their training by independent education foundation Edge and the Brathay Trust.

For the full list of Team UK members, visit: http://www.worldskillsteamuk.org

Jason Rainbow