A FORMER Warrington student is going for gold in an international skills competition.
Ben Love, 19, who attended Bridgewater High School, is taking part in the national finals of the 2022 WorldSkills UK competition.
He is now in the second year of a degree apprenticeship with Manchester-based Siemens Digital Industries.
Ben and fellow Siemens apprentice Lucy Yelland will be going up against other teams from across the UK in the mechatronics division.
The final at Barking and Dagenham College from November 14-18 is the culmination of a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training.
Winners go on to represent Team UK at the skills competition in Lyon, France, in 2024.
Ben has been interested in engineering and technology from an early age.
“My dad runs an electrical engineering business, so I grew up tinkering with electrical components and various hardware and software that he brought home from work,” he said. “It became a hobby and when I was 14, I used Siemens’ kit to build a home automation system which controlled my bedroom blinds, lamp, and even set up an alarm system with a laser through beam sensor.”
Ben took on a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in electrical and electronic engineering at college where he built a Bluetooth speaker and even launched his own additive manufacturing business, selling parts to customers all over the world.
After two work experience placements at Siemens, Ben knew where he wanted to start his career.
“Having been exposed to Siemens technology from an early age, there was only one company I wanted to work for,” he said. “It has been a dream come true. There are so many opportunities. I just want to experience as many different parts of the business as I can and see where it takes me.”
“I’m excited that we have reached the WorldSkills UK final and just aim to do my best, enjoy myself and see how it goes.”
Brian Holliday, managing director for Siemens Digital Industries, said: “Lucy and Ben have shown real dedication and determination to make it so far in the competition and we are very proud of them. Their achievement demonstrates a promising career at Siemens.
“Early careers opportunities like apprenticeships are a critical part of our mission to ensure we have the talent and growth mindset we need for the future.
“Offering school leavers, university students and graduates a fulfilling career pathway is key to solving the skills gap in the technology, manufacturing and engineering industries.”
