Skills on show for Wishaw lad
training as part of Squad UK to be selected for the team travelling to Budapest for the competition.
Ross, a former student of New College Lanarkshire, said: “Since winning gold at last year’s WorldSkills UK, it’s been non-stop training and I am so delighted that it has paid off.
“I’m now at Strathclyde University studying Product Design Innovation, but still training hard to ensure I am at my peak for EuroSkills.
“It’s a lot of relief having been selected to represent the UK, but the nerves have started to kick in as the task in hand is becoming more of a reality.
“I’m really looking forward to the whole experience and I’ll be working as hard as possible to bring a medal home.”
Team UK comprises students and apprentices skilled in a broad spectrum of disciplines from engineering to construction, digital to creative.
The EuroSkills finals, which includes teams from across Europe, is the last before the UK is scheduled to leave the EU next year.
Dr Neil Bentley, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, which selects and trains Team UK to the highest international standard, said: “This will be a life-enhancing opportunity for these remarkable young people.
“After Brexit, our economic success as a nation will be dependent on our ability to close major trade deals and attract inward investment – and this will always hinge on demonstrating we have people with the right skills.
“Team UK are the embodiment not only of the kinds of traits and characteristics that we should aspire for in a young workforce, but for the UK Government’s ambitions for global Britain too.
“They are leaders of their generation and will inspire many more to walk in their footsteps.”
To secure a place in Team UK, Ross was among the learners and apprentices who went through an exhaustive selection process, taking part in the prestigious WorldSkills UK national competitions, the finals of which are held at WorldSkills UK LIVE.