Stonemason cutting it on the big stage

A stonemasonry student at Bath College could be on his way to Russia to compete against other craftsmen from around the world.

Ethan Conlon, right, aims to compete this summer at Worldskills Kazan 2019 - known as the Skills Olympics. It involves the best apprentices and students from around the globe competing to win gold, silver and bronze in their trade.

Ethan, who is also an apprentice with APS Stonemasonry in Oxford, was invited to take part after excelling in heats and is about to compete in York at the next stage.

Stonemasonry lecturer at Bath College Joe Leber said: “We are delighted that Ethan has reached the final three for selection to compete at Worldskills Kazan 2019, we are very proud of him and wish him the very best of luck in the final selection stage.”

Chief Executive of Worldskills UK, Dr Neil Bentley-gockmann OBE, said: “I wish Ethan the very best of luck. By entering the Worldskills Competition, we can transfer the insights gained from competing against other countries into the wider economy, driving up training standards in the UK to world-class levels, boosting productivity.”

Inspired by Ethan? Worldskills UK is looking for apprentices and students to take part in Worldskills Shanghai 2021.

Register at www.worldskillsuk.org by April 5.