FROM BRUM TO BRAZIL BRITISH ENGINEERS GET THE X-FACTOR TREATMENT
18/11/2013 Enginuity
The very best of British engineers set out on the road from 'Brum to Brazil' last night - with the cheers of 20,000 fans ringing in their ears.The elite group were selected to represent their country following three days of rigorous practical tests at a national final at the NEC, Birmingham overseen by Semta - the employer-led body engineering skills for the future.
Victors in eleven different disciplines are expected to begin 18 months of intensive training before travelling to Sao Paolo to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Finals in 2015.
"This is far more important to the future of our country than X-Factor!" said Sarah Sillars, OBE, CEO of Semta. "These talented youngsters are the real stars of our nation.
"All our economic futures are dependent on Britain producing the next generation of great British engineers.
"It is a great achievement - testament to their own hard work and the training they have received. Competing is a great way for all the finalists to grow confidence and showcase their potential to current and future employers.
"I hope all the winners here can go on to achieve even greater fame, acclaim and a world class career and that they inspire other young people to choose engineering. It is vital to keep the skills pipeline flowing and secure the future of advanced manufacturing and engineering in the UK."
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: "Congratulations to all of this year's winners. Skills are vital to the future of our country and it's great to see so many talented young people taking part and demonstrating their expertise. I hope today's winners will inspire others to begin learning a new skill which could lead to a new career and then to become the stars of tomorrow."
The Engineering Winners:
Aeronautical Engineer James Kempsell, 27 from Plymouth, Aeronautical Engineer Joe Hedley,22 from Doncaster, CNC Miller Steven Castle, 18 from Bristol, CNC Turner, Alex Elton, 18 from Nuneaton, Construction Metalworker Chris Hanson, 29 from Bradford, Industrial Electrician Leonardis Proximo, 28 from Bangor NI, Mechanical CAD, Andrew Beel and Blane Mulholland from Motherwell, Mechatronic team members, Callum Knott and John Peerless from North London, Mobile Robotics experts, Angelo Chrisanth and Ahmed Ali and Daniel Rowe and James Griffin and Welder Kurt Roberts, 19 from Doncaster.
For more information, please contact:
Semta
14 Upton Road
Watford
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
Fax: 01923 256086
Email: customerservices@semta.org.uk
Web: www.semta.org.uk
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