A YOUNG Lisbellaw man is heading east to compete in the WorldSkills Competition.
David Bateman Smith is a plumbing and heating apprentice at the South West College’s Erne Campus in Enniskillen. He will join fellow apprentice Andrew McCann from Aughnacloy at the global competition taking place in Shanghai in September next year.
The event will see 1500 young people travel to the Chinese city from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality in front of an audience of 250,000.
David, who works for Ashley McFarland Plumbing, said taking part in competitions like WorldSkills was “an amazing experience” and urged others to consider it.
“It pushes you to grow both personally and professionally, enhances your learning, and allows you to apply those skills in real-world work,” he said.
“This journey has not only boosted my confidence but has also opened exciting opportunities for the future.”
Known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, the WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as the ultimate test of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe.
Ben Blackledge, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, congratulated David and Andrew on being selected.
“Together with the other members on our programme, David and Andrew will be developing the right skills to fuel business growth across our economy,” he said.
“With WorldSkills being hosted in Shanghai next year, it provides a fantastic platform for us to work closely with China, where we know skills excellence is a priority, to collaborate, innovate and learn from the very best in the world.”
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