Alfie and Nathan, WorldSkills 2017 podium hopefuls, are back in training at James Good after successfully qualifying for Squad UK at last November’s Skills’ Show.
Squad UK is made up of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners, all aged 16 to 25. There are four squad members in the Web Design category, all competing for one place on the UK Team that will go to the 2017 WorldSkills competition in Abu Dhabi.
Both Alfie and Nathan return to James Good following successful pre-squad training that took place back in October 2015. Both boys feel that their skills have improved during the time that they have been training. Alfie says, “I definitely feel more confident now – I don’t spend as long figuring how to tackle small things. This means in a competition – which is made up of timed modules – I am able to manage my work much more efficiently.”
Nathan also feels his work has developed significantly in recent months, in particular he believes his design skills are much improved. Just like top athletes, competitors will spend over two years preparing for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, fitting training around their everyday work and study commitments. Nathan says, “I practice for WorldSkills in between attending my course at university and paid work. There can be quite a lot to do to keep up to speed.”
This time Alfie and Nathan join us for five days of intensive coaching. They will be working alongside our team, tackling ‘mock’ test modules to help them prepare for the next stage of competition, which takes place next month. After this stage another member of the Squad will be eliminated, with the remaining three continuing on their quest to secure a place in the UK Team for Abu Dhabi.
Both boys are committed to the training process, but only one man can make UK Team!
Watch this space …