Two DAF students secured podium positions at the recent WorldSkills UK National Finals, walking away with a bronze and silver medal, after succeeding in a number of competitions.
More than 400 young people from across the UK took part in a seven-month process which included regional heats and intensive training before stepping up to put their skills against the best of the best earlier this month.
The winners were announced at a special live programme from Channel 4’s Packed Lunch Studios, presented by Steph McGovern. Two City of Bristol College students were among the winners of the Heavy Vehicle Technology category.
Daniel Parker, who is completing his apprenticeship at Adams Morey Ltd, was presented with the silver medal while Andrew Hill, who is working at Motus Commercials, was handed the bronze medal.
Head of Motor Vehicle and the DAF Apprenticeship Programme, Luke Reid, said: “The DAF Apprentice Programme has had some success over recent years in WorldSkills. The last time the competition was run, three learners in the competition achieved gold and silver medals. We are thrilled for two of our learners who have been presented with medals and podium positions at these national awards. These students, along with the other four apprentices who made it to the final, gave it their all and should be very proud of their achievement.”
WorldSkills UK specialises in selecting and training young people to represent the UK at international competitions. The unique insights and global best practice it gathers as part of that work is shared with young people and educators across the UK.
Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, Ben Blackledge, said: “These young people are a real inspiration. They are an example to us all and should be celebrated. To have excelled after such a difficult year shows that their dedication and skills are truly excellent. Skills are the lifeblood of every economy, creating high quality jobs, rewarding careers, and our competitions are proof that there is amazing talent in every part of the UK.”
City of Bristol College works in partnership with DAF Trucks Ltd as the leading provider of its apprenticeship programme, training hundreds of apprentices from across the country in the heavy vehicle trade. The apprentices work in a bespoke DAF workshop at our Motor Vehicle Technology Centre near Bristol Parkway, complete with several trucks of differing shapes and sizes.
Find out more about the DAF apprenticeship programme here.
