Wanessa Carvalho, Qilong Li and Yordon Tomov are arepresenting CONEL in WorkSkills UK.
An aspiring hairdresser, computer games designer and electrician are out to prove they are the most skilled young people in the country.
Wanessa Carvalho, Qilong Li and Yordan Tomov, are representing the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in this year’s WorldSkills UK competition.
WorldSkills UK is the country’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event, and aims to inspire young people in pursuing world class skills needed by UK business and industry.
There are five competitions – Engineering and Technology, Media and Creative, IT and Enterprise, Hospitality and Lifestyle and Construction and Infrastructure.
Around 3,000 young people are taking on challenges set by industry experts and hoping to make the National Qualifiers at colleges, workplaces and trade shows across the UK and reach the National Finals at Birmingham NEC in November.
Wanessa, 28, who is undertaking an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing at the College’s own commercial salon at its Tottenham Centre, was excited to be representing the College.
She said: “Since I was young I always wanted to be a hairdresser. I never changed my mind. The support I’ve had on my apprenticeship has really prepared me for competition and my career, and hopefully I can win it.”
Yordon, 24, who is completing an Electrical Installation Apprenticeship with R&I Electrical Services in Tottenham, said: “This is a big challenge for me and could help in me the future. Nothing is 100% certain, but I am confident in the skills I have learnt that I can do well.”
Qilong, 22, who is studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, has entered the IT and Enterprise competition, added: “I’ve enjoyed working with computers for a long time. I just want to do myself justice and maybe I can get to the finals.”
The winners of WorldSkills UK who excel in the National Finals will be invited to a UK Squad Selection to secure a place in Team UK, and represent the country in international competitions, such as EuroSkills and WorldSkills.