News story: Anne Milton supports Team UK at WorldSkills 2017

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton is currently attending WorldSkills 2017 in Abu Dhabi. The competition, which runs from 15 – 18 October, brings together apprentices and young people from across the world to compete in their specialist skill.

As part of her visit Minister Milton is delivering two speeches on skills development in cities and the government’s apprenticeship reforms. She is also meeting the UK’s competitors, their families and experts across a range of industries.

The 34 members of Team UK are competing against more than 65 countries in 30 skills categories, including painting, hairdressing, mechatronics, engineering and cooking.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said:

It’s a great pleasure to wish every member of Team UK the best of luck in competing at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. There is no higher honour than representing your country on the world stage. The pride team members feel in this achievement is equalled by my admiration for the incredible dedication and hard work demonstrated by each and every competitor.

In the heat of competition in Abu Dhabi, the challenges faced will be tough. This is the most prestigious and high-profile event of its kind in the world. I know that each individual member of the team will give their all to reach their potential. In doing so they are acting as national ambassadors for apprenticeships and technical skills and demonstrating how getting the right skills can change lives.

The young people in this team have exciting futures ahead of them. WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 is their biggest test yet. Another opportunity to grow and develop. A chance to show what they can do. I know they will seize the moment and inspire the next generation to succeed through skills. Irrespective of what they achieve in Abu Dhabi they have the respect of everyone in the UK having got this far.

WorldSkills UK Chief Executive Neil Bentley, formerly Deputy Director General of the CBI, said:

This is a critical moment for the future of these inspirational young people – and our economy.

The WorldSkills Finals presents the UK with a unique platform to not only showcase the best of this country’s apprentices and inspire others to follow in their footsteps, but also to help build and reinforce global trade and investment partnerships.

Having the confidence to demonstrate the high skill level in the UK will enhance our status as a top investment destination, boosting trade relations and creating jobs in the post-Brexit economy.