Markus Wernitznig - Fashion technology
It was announced today by Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes that Markus Wernitznig, 19 and Ben Billows, 20, have been selected as members of Squad UK, with the hope that they will be ready to take on the very best from across the globe at the largest skills competition there is - WorldSkills London 2011 in October next year.
Ben is completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Plastering at ncn and works at Rapide Drylining. Markus is originally from Austria but is now based in Nottingham, and will graduate from the College with a Foundation Degree in Fashion interpretation and Practice later this month.
The pair will now begin an intense training programme with Squad UK that will help them prepare for the Team selection which takes place in June 2011.
Ben Billows - Plastering and
drywall systems
Ben said: “Being in the Squad is a great opportunity to showcase what I do, something that not a lot of people get a chance to achieve, and it will highlight how skilled plastering and drywalling actually is. Staff at ncn have been really helpful, and my employer has been great too, giving me time off for training and helping me with expenses.”
Markus said: “The competition was tough but it is something I’ve been training and preparing myself for so I was really pleased when I was told I’d got through and made it in to Squad UK.”
Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes, said: “Vocational qualifications are essential to the Government’s commitment to securing a highly skilled and capable workforce which is internationally competitive.
"The young people in Squad UK are living proof of the standards of excellence found in our vocational learning programmes and are fine examples of the talented, dedicated and committed apprentices we have in this country.”
Posted 17 November 2010