Former apprentice to represent UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024
A former Bench Joinery Apprentice from Solihull College & University Centre has been selected to represent Team UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
Harry Scolding (pictured) excelled at last year’s Euroskills competition, finishing in the top five in his category, and now runs his own company - HDS Joinery.
He is part of the team following in the footsteps of sporting Olympic stars, which includes talented young apprentices and students who will compete at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, known as the ‘skills Olympics’.
All aged under 25, the members of Team UK will be competing, from 10 to 15 September, in disciplines including cyber security, renewable energy, digital construction, cooking, hairdressing and painting and decorating.
WorldSkills UK, a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments, is responsible for selecting, mentoring and training Team UK. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will host over 1500 young people from 65 countries, who will compete in 62 different skill disciplines.
Ben Blackledge, chief executive, WorldSkills UK said: “WorldSkills Lyon 2024 - think Olympic Games – where the prize is the world-class skills that UK employers are crying out for.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Harry Scolding and all of the exceptional young people in Team UK; they are fantastic role models. Together with Pearson, we will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK to help drive investment, jobs and economic growth.”
Harry's former tutor at Solihull College & University Centre is Arron Ward. He's delighted his former student is reaching his potential. "It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Harry grow and flourish, both as a student and a competitor. His drive and enthusiasm have made him a joy to teach. As his tutor, I couldn't be prouder of his achievements so far, and I have every confidence that he will continue to shine in the world finals in Lyon."
Max Whitlock OBE, Triple World and Olympic Champion Gymnast, Six-time Olympic Medallist and former BTEC student said: "Huge congratulations to the remarkable 'skills Olympians' selected to represent the UK at the upcoming WorldSkills competition. Their passion and hard work will guarantee that UK skills will shine bright on the global stage this September. My support goes out to every member of Team UK as they prepare to take on the world in Lyon!"
