BMet BMW automotive apprentices move forward as finalists in WorldSkills UK National Competition
Two Mechanical Maintenance Technicians studying at BMet’s BMW Group sites are steaming ahead after qualifying as finalists in the coveted Worldskills UK National Competition for Automation.
The achievement sees the second-year apprentices, Connor Gunning from BMW Plant Swindon and Taylor Steel from MINI Plant Oxford, being one step closer to the chance to be crowned winners for the award.
This is the first time that the prestigious industry awards are taking place across venues in South Wales, from 25 – 28 November. Connor and Taylor have been selected to attend the ceremony at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in the week commencing November 25.
The positive news means that all three teams at BMet’s BMW Group sites entered into the WorldSkills UK Automation tournament, have successfully reached the national qualifier stage.
On Tuesday 20th May, Level 3 Mechatronics and Level 6 Controls apprentices competed at the Festo Applied Automation Centre in Northampton, tackling three rigorous tasks: on Pneumatic Circuit, Electro-pneumatic Circuit and PLC Programming.
Karl Ronan, Head of Centre at MINI Plant Oxford said:
“We are extremely proud of what our apprentices have achieved so far, as to get to the qualifying stage and to beat stiff competition for such a leading industry-standard competition, is definitely something to be happy about!
“It is so great to end the academic year with such positive news and for our apprentices to be able to start their break knowing that their hard work has paid off!
“We wish them the best and no matter the outcome, we are hugely delighted with how far they have come.”
With the competitor team name, BMW 1, the talented learners Connor and Taylor gained an impressive score of 89.56 beating the competition average of 51.06. Plus, they were ranked 4 out of 46 teams.
Out of 42 national teams, only 6 will progress to the finals. Results will be announced in July.
Professor Elwen Evans, KC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David said:
“We are proud to be a host venue for the Worldskills UK National Finals and to champion the next generation of skilled professionals.
“Hosting this prestigious event reflects our commitment to innovation, industry collaboration and empowering learners to succeed. Congratulations to all the national finalists – your dedication, talent and ambition represent the very best of vocational excellence.”
We wish Team BMet and BMW Group the very best of luck!