Exeter College student Harry Colgrave is setting out on the road to Shanghai following his selection to Squad UK for the international WorldSkills competition in the Joinery category.  

Harry, 19, from Winkleigh, has been invited to join the prestigious WorldSkills UK Talent Development Programme after excelling in its national skills competitions, the finals of which were held recently at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.  

The WorldSkills competition, which will next be held in Shanghai, China in 2021, takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The competition will feature over 1000 of the world’s most talented Apprentices and students competing in over 50 different skills as they battle it out to be named the World Champion in their chosen skill.   

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Harry.” 

“This is a life-changing moment for him.  Harry has already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now he is facing an even tougher test as he looks to secure his place to represent the UK on the world stage. He has already dedicated hundreds of hours improving his skills to get to this level – and has many months of hard work ahead of him with our training managers – enabling him to transform his career and life.”  

Ben Stone, Work-based Tutor at Exeter College, said, “We’re all incredibly proud that Harry will be part of the team representing the UK at WorldSkills. This is a fantastic chance for him to test his skills at an international level with the very best talent across the globe in the construction industry.” 

Harry will undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK, supported by Exeter College, and will face the ultimate selection test in Spring 2021 when the team that will compete at WorldSkills Shanghai is finalised.  

The previous WorldSkills competition was held in 2019 in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 Medals.  By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK are able to identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government to deliver world class standards in technical education.  

Following the completion of his studies with Exeter College, Harry has launched his own business, HC Joinery.  

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Find the right course for your future in our course search.