Eight young people from Scotland have qualified for the UK squad for WorldSkills 2009, to be held in Calgary in September.

They will now spend the next few months practicing and refining their skills to vie for a place on the final UK team, to be announced in June.

The young people, who are were named as part of the UK squad at the WorldSkills 2009 launch event in London today, include:

• Fraser McLean ( CNC Turning) - Anniesland College, Glasgow
• Andrew Johnston (Welding) - Doosan Babcock, Rosyth
• Richard Sagar - Electrical Installation - SECTT, Midlothian
• Mark Nevin - Painting and Decorating - Edinburgh's Telford College
• Jenna Smillie - Hairdressing - Reid Kerr College, Paisley
• Paul Abbey - Automobile Technology - Gattonside Garage, Melrose
• Katherine Watson - Restaurant Service - Gleneagles Hotel
• Martin Eusebi - Mechanical Engineering CADD - Motherwell College

Minister for Schools and Skills, Maureen Watt said: "All our young people need encouragement and support to achieve their full potential whether that is through an academic or a vocational route, or a combination of both. The WorldSkills UK and related competitions are an excellent means of inspiring young people undertaking practical and vocational learning to be become the best in their chosen field."

WorldSkills competitions are organised by in the UK by UK Skills, a not-for-profit company sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

WorldSkills is the largest skills competition in the world and takes place every two years in a host member nation. Calgary 2009, is the 40th competition, with more than 1000 competitors aged 16 to 23, expected to take part from more than 51 countries.

It is an opportunity for the young people to test themselves against tough international standards and improve and showcase their skills in a range of fields. Further information is available on the WorldSkills website.

Young people aged 15 to 23, who are in education or training, and interested in qualifying for the next WorldSkills competition, to be held in London in 2011, can register via www.worldskillsuk.org