UHI Moray apprentice graduate Danny McBean selected to train with UK squad ahead of Worldskills event in France
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A GRADUATE from UHI Moray has been selected to train as part of a UK-wide renewable energy squad with a view to competing at the 'Skills Olympics' in France.
UHI Moray announced that Danny McBean, one of their former apprentices, will train with a UK squad ahead of the Worldskills event in Lyon, southern France, from September 10 until 15, 2024.
Danny will join a group of the UK’s most talented young apprentices with the aim of being selected to represent the UK against more than 1500 apprentices from more than 60 countries.
WorldSkills UK and Pearson will be announcing the members of Team UK in May.
For the first time, the United Kingdom will compete in two additional new skill areas – ‘renewable energy’ and ‘additive manufacturing (3D printing)’ – which have been added in response to increasing employer demand for skills in these sectors.
Danny, who comes from Forres and works for Grants of Dufftown, completed his apprenticeship in 2023.
He will have the opportunity prior to the final squad selection in May to demonstrate his expertise in his field and undertake further training following on from his successful gold medal award Electrical Installation at the Worldskills UK final last year.
He said: “It is fantastic to have secured a place in Squad UK after winning the gold medal last year.
"I feel really proud to be part of the group in training with the hope of winning a place to represent the UK in Renewable Energy, it certainly feels like we are leading the way in such an important sector.”
WorldSkills, known as the ‘skills Olympics’, is the largest international skills competition held every two years in cities around the world.
A total of 62 different technical skill disciplines are practiced from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality in front of an audience of 250,000 people.
Jim MacKinnon, deputy head of curriculum, construction at UHI Moray, said: "We are delighted for Danny and his success so far in the Worldskills competition achieved through his continued dedication and commitment.
"We will continue to support Danny along with his employer who have supported Danny from the outset of his apprenticeship and wish him all the best for the next few months."
