BAE Systems apprentice wins gold at WorldSkills competition
Jack Bateson, an engineering apprentice with BAE Systems' Air has won the gold medal in the Mechanical Engineering: CAD (Computer Aided Design) skill category at WorldSkills UK LIVE, hosted at the Birmingham NEC, taking him one step closer to joining Team UK for the 46th WorldSkills in Shanghai in 2021.
Jack (above) from Heysham, near Lancaster will now join the training programme to qualify to compete in Shanghai WorldSkills championships in 2021 – an event which regularly attracts over 1,300 competitors from more than 70 countries. He has reached the final after progressing through two regional heats. Participants were tested throughout the competition on different CAD skills, including part, frame and sheet metal modelling; assemblies; functional and exploding animations; and technical drawings.
Following the news he had received gold at WorldSkills UK LIVE, Jack said: “I am thrilled to be one step closer to qualifying for Team UK. Receiving a gold medal at such a prestigious competition feels like such an accomplishment – especially after my colleagues and I have put in such effort to prepare for the challenge. Taking part has been really exciting and I have my fingers crossed that I’ll qualify for the final in China.”
Richard Hamer, Education & Skills Director said: “Jack was recognised by the judges for his exceptional skills, exemplary behaviours and hard work. It’s right that he should be congratulated for doing so well, especially when up against other candidates of such high quality.
“As one of Britain’s leading companies, at the forefront of advanced engineering and technology, we have a long history of nurturing talent. Engineering and manufacturing are essential to the British economy and our apprentices have a vital role to play in securing the future of our sector. It’s great to see Jack’s efforts being recognised and I wish him the best of luck in the heats at WorldSkills UK next year. He is just one fantastic example of the brilliant apprentices we employ.”
Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Jack it is a fantastic achievement.
“The competition was fierce and the standards very high. All of Jack’s hard work and dedication has been rewarded and we at WorldSkills UK salute you.
“Our competitions equip apprentices and students with the lifelong, world-class skills that will drive up training standards to the highest level to help boost UK productivity and competitiveness.
“Following their success, WorldSkills UK has invited Jack to join the training programme for the WorldSkills Shanghai 2021, where they could be selected to represent the UK in CAD on the world stage.”
BAE Systems offer over 25 award winning programmes across all sectors and the apprenticeships are rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. The company was recently named #1 employer of apprentices in the UK on review website Rate My Apprenticeship. The accolade was given as a result of scores and comments left on the website by apprentice employees.