A 25-YEAR-OLD from Pembrokeshire has won the Skills Competition Wales fi nal in metal work as part of a Welsh Government-backed initiative to boost skills levels across the country. Orry Franklin, who is studying an Enhanced Engineering course at Pembrokeshire College’s Marine Centre, took gold in Advanced Metal Work after impressing the judges. Candidates had to use metal cutters and drills to create a pipe structure based on a basic drawing, in a competition that lasted six hours. Orry, who lives in Pembroke Dock and is studying for his PO Level Two and City and Guilds Level Three in Plating at MITEC School of Boatbuilding and Marine Engineering, said: “It was a challenge.
There was a lot to get done in the time. “Getting a pipe to go through the metal plates we’d cut, at the exact angle and lining everything up, was diffi cult. The pressure was really on when we heard the call that there were only 15 minutes left.” Skills Competition Wales is designed to promote the importance of vocational skills and developing a highly-skilled workforce with the aim of boosting the overall skill level and prosperity of Wales. Supported by the European Social Fund, the Welsh Government is funding a total of 32 Skills Competitions in 2015 in a range of sectors, from welding and brickwork to popular music and web design. Orry will now go forward to represent Pembrokeshire College in WorldSkills UK, with the aim of representing Team Wales at this year’s Skills Show Birmingham in November.
This year, competitors representing Squad UK are in the running to travel to São Paulo. The competition takes place every two years in cities across the globe and is the largest international skills competition in the world. Orry, who since the competition has secured a fabrication apprenticeship at boat builders Mustang Marine in Pembroke Dock, added: “I like working to accurate measurements and seeing something go from a drawing to the fi nished product and I wanted to take part in Skills Competition Wales to test myself and see how well I could do.
“I couldn’t believe it when they read out my name to say I’d won. I’d recommend it to anyone.” Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James AM said: “Having a highly skilled workforce is essential for the future of our country. It’s important to highlight the value of practical vocational skills that can be applied to our thriving industries in Wales. “Skills Competition Wales aims to encourage young people and adults to develop their talents to the highest possible level and the healthy competition will set a benchmark for skills.
“Dozens of colleges, Sector Skills Councils and work-based learning providers across Wales are already involved in the initiative but we’re keen to see more Welsh businesses encouraging their talented young employees to enter.” The Deputy Minister added: “It takes hard work, sheer determination and a lot of skill to compete against Wales’ most talented apprentices and learners, so their achievements should be commended and celebrated. “We wish Orry and all the other fi nalists and winners the very best of luck, not only in the next round of the competitions, but also in the careers they go on to pursue.”
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