Pair’s world class skills recognised
TWO young people from Wales have been recognised as world class experts at WorldSkills, the largest skills competition in the world, held in Abu Dhabi.
Elizabeth Forkuoh, 21, from Llanelli and Joseph Massey, 23, from Coleg Cambria were among four competitors representing Wales as part of Team UK, competing against 58 other nations from across the globe at the four-day event held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Elizabeth, who competed in the restaurant service category, and Joseph, who took part in the aeronautical engineering competition, were both presented with Medallions of Excellence, recognising them amongst the best in the world in their field.
The two Welsh competitors have trained for the international final for the past two years, honing and perfecting their skills alongside other Welsh team members Alfie Hopkin, from Llanelli, and Ethan Davies, from Mynydd Isa.
Their win brings the total number of medals awarded to Welsh competitors at the international finals to six since WorldSkills London 2011.
Elizabeth said: “It’s been an honour to represent my country this year. Being recognised as one of the best in the world in restaurant service has showed all my hard work and practice has finally paid off.
“The competition was intense with different tasks to complete each day including napkin folding, demonstrating silver service, carving a salmon and flambéing dishes, which made the four days a gruelling but exciting experience.
“When I heard my name being called at the closing ceremony, I felt so emotional and I couldn’t wait to call my mum and brother back at home who had been waiting all day to find out how I’d done.
“I’ve been very lucky to have travelled to many places throughout my WorldSkills journey, so travelling far away from home doesn’t feel strange anymore.
“I’m only 21 and I’ve already had so many life-changing opportunities; from working at the Ritz in London and practicing fruit carving in Taiwan, to landing a job at Gleneagles in Scotland and being mentored by Dr Shyam Patiar MBE, a worldclass expert in hospitality.”
Team UK triumphed at the 44th WorldSkills International Competition scooping 20 medals including one gold, three silver, three bronze and 13 medallions of excellence at a spectacular closing ceremony in front of 15,000 people and the world’s media at the Du Arena.
The Welsh competitors – Joseph, Alfie, Elizabeth and Ethan, were invited to compete in the selection process after excelling at Skills Competition Wales and the WorldSkills UK National Competitions, the finals of which take place at The Skills Show each November.
Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, said: “To be selected to represent the UK is an achievement alone, but to also receive a medallion of excellence at the international final of WorldSkills sets Elizabeth and Joseph above other competitors from all over the world.”