Huge UK medal haul at 'Skills Olympics’

Engineering TeamUK includes representatives from GKN Aerospace and Toyota Manufacturing

The elite of British engineering won 10 medals at WorldSkills 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil – the highest in the competition’s history.

Aircraft engineer, Shayne Hadland, from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire won a silver medal and was awarded Best in Nation – for the highest score of anyone representing the UK at the event. 

Ann Watson, chief executive of Semta, the employer led organisation tasked with skilling engineering and advanced manufacturing, said: "Take a bow Team UK – you have done Semta and your nation proud! You have surpassed our wildest hopes and most optimistic expectations. 

“Four years of dedication, intensive training and triumph in our regional and national heats, have placed you at the very pinnacle of your generation.

“Your efforts and achievement will act as a beacon for generations to come – you are the true stars of the 21st Century – and we need to radiate your passion and success far and wide.”

The Engineering TeamUK, and the competitions they took part in, included: Shayne Hadland from RAF Benson (aeronautical engineering); Alex Elton from MNB Precision (CNC turning); Christopher Hanson (construction metal work); Balint Bogdan (industrial electronics); Patrick Devanney from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Dominic Trees from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Christopher Renwick from Carnaud MetalBox (manufacturing team challenge); Andrew Beel from Pacson Valves (mechanical engineering CAD); Robyn Clarke from Toyota Manufacturing (mechatronics); Andy Smith from Toyota Manufacturing (mechtronics); Reece Taylor from Dyer Engineering (welding); and Michael Watson from GKN Aerospace (CNC milling).

The next WorldSkills Finals, which take place every two years, take place in Abu Dhabi in 2017.