Young Scots in vocational education, training or work are being urged to sign up for WorldSkills UK competitions for the chance to represent the UK on the global stage.

The Scottish Government is encouraging young people aged 16-23 to sign up for WorldSkills UK competitions, which see talented youngsters compete against their peers to demonstrate their vocational skills.

Young people who are successful in the regional network of these skills competitions could be in with the chance to compete for Team UK at WorldSkills 2011, which takes place at ExCeL, London between 5th – 8th October 2011.

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The WorldSkills Competition is the biggest skills competition in the world and is held every two years in one of its member countries. It sets world class standards in over 40 skill categories ranging from bricklaying to beauty therapy.

Competitors from 50 countries compete over four days of intense competition in over 40 different skills for gold, silver and bronze medals. Approximately 1,000 people took part in WorldSkills Calgary 2009, which saw Scottish competitors bring home four medals - including two gold - in Painting and Decorating, Restaurant Service, Electrical Installation and Mechanical Engineering CAD.

22 year old Richard Sagar from Langholm, Dumfriesshire, brought home a gold medal in Electrical Installation.

He said: "Securing a place in the WorldSkills 2009 finals was a huge achievement. However to take home gold was one of the greatest moments in my life. Receiving my medal was a very special moment and a huge honour as I was up against some really talented people.

"Although I knew the competition would be hard I was focused and determined to succeed and my training certainly paid off."

(GK/BMcC)