A 21-year-old joiner took home a bronze medal in his category of the world’s largest international skills competition for young people.
Adam Bushnell, from Cumnor, competed against joiners from across the world in the WorldSkills London 2011 competition held at ExCel London. He was one of only three construction trainees from the UK to win a medal in the built environment sector of this year’s competition.
The four day event, from October 5 to 8, attracted nearly 200,000 visitors including David Cameron, Boris Johnson and skills minister, John Hayes. Adam, who completed an NVQ in Bench Joinery at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, said: “I heard about the competition through college. I got involved to improve my skills and hopefully represent the UK.
“After four years of training for the WorldSkills final it is great to be rewarded this way. I would like to thank my training manager Paul Tierney for all of his support over the last few years - I hope I have made him proud. I have really enjoyed being part of Team UK and getting to meet so many new people across the various trades.”
The competition showcased the skills of those currently working in the built environment, as well as highlighting the career opportunities available to help attract the next generation into the profession.
Gillian Cain, Regional Delivery Manager for competition sponsor CITB-ConstructionSkills in the South, said: “We are delighted that Adam has won a bronze medal at WorldSkills, he has worked extremely hard to achieve this, along with having the support of his employer, training provider and the Team UK staff.
"This prestigious competition has been a great opportunity to recognise and highlight the talent that is coming into the construction industry, as well as helping to inspire future generations of skilled, high-quality professionals for the industry.”
More than 1,000 competitors took part in WorldSkills 2011 from more than 50 countries competing in 46 skills areas ranging from electronics to plumbing, web design and fashion to cabinet making.
For more information visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com
