Hamilton congratulates Northern Ireland competitors on UK Skills Show success

Date published: 22 November 2016

The Skills Show is the UK’s largest skills and careers event and is designed to reward talent and drive up levels of expertise in apprenticeships, skills and further education. The UK’s most talented apprentices and learners competed at this year’s Show which took place from 17 to 19 November 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Congratulating the Northern Ireland winners, Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said: “Northern Ireland’s success at this UK competition is testament to the impressive talent, hard work and commitment of our young people coupled with the high standards of training in our colleges.

“Our competitors have once again shown they have the skills to succeed and excel against the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners.

“Four of our local colleges ranked in the top ten UK Skills medal table. This most recent success builds on our impressive track record at previous regional, national and world level skills competitions.”

Over 75,000 people attended The Skills Show and watched over 500 apprentices and learners battle it out in over 50 skills competitions, ranging from construction and engineering through to digital and hospitality, with the aim of being named ‘UK Champion’ in their chosen skill. Visitors to The Skills Show were also able to ‘Have a Go’ at different skills and meet with employers and advisors to receive the latest information on apprenticeships and other training opportunities.

Those who excel in the WorldSkills UK competitions may be invited to join the training programme to represent the UK at the international WorldSkills competitions, which take place every two years in cities around the world.