Landscaping apprentices compete with best in the UK

Toby McLeay and Lewis Sharp, secured their places in the WorldSkills UK Finals after excelling in the National Qualifiers which took place in the summer. Both Toby and Lewis are currently undertaking an Intermediate Level 2 Landscape and Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship Standard programme with Myerscough College, while working with their respective employers, Urban Landscapes and JIG Landscapes.

Designed by industry experts, the WorldSkills UK Competitions equip apprentices and learners with the world-class skills needed to help UK businesses better compete globally.

The UK’s best young apprentices and students were celebrated in a glittering ceremony on Saturday, as part of WorldSkills UK LIVE, at the NEC Birmingham, which attracted more than 80,000 young people gearing up for a vocational pathway to work, was the backdrop for the all-important National Finals of WorldSkills UK’s Competitions.

More than 500 apprentices and students competed in over 70 different disciplines – battling to be the best in the UK.  Taking part in WorldSkills UK Competitions equips young people with the world-class skills needed to help UK businesses better compete globally.  

Those taking part in the competitions were also hoping to secure the opportunity to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Finals, known as the ‘Skills Olympics’ in Shanghai in 2021.

Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “This is a life-changing moment for these young people. They have already won regional competitions and now their National Finals – they are the new generation of high flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.

“We couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them – the standard of competition could not have been higher.”

WorldSkills UK LIVE, is deemed as the very best event of its kind in Europe, and is brimming with stimulating talks, hands-on exhibits, fascinating fact sharing activities and Q&A sessions with leading employers and scintillating entertainment.

The squad for WorldSkills Shanghai 2021 will be announced next week.