A Wiltshire College & University Centre apprenticeship student is in the running for a national award next week when he takes part in the World Skills National Competition Finals.

Paddy Edgeworth, who is studying the Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative apprenticeship programme and is based at the College’s Lackham campus, will compete in the Landscape Gardening competition at Edinburgh College against seven other finalists.

Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills UK competitions help young people grow personally and professionally, developing their technical and employability skills and boosting their confidence. If competitors impress at the national final, they could be in with a chance of representing the UK in the “Skills Olympics” in France in 2024.

In total, more than 500 apprentices will be competing across finals in 62 different industries at six colleges across the UK.

The winners of each competition will be announced by Steph McGovern in a special live medal ceremony show broadcast from her Packed Lunch Studio on Friday 25th November.

WorldSkills UK Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge said: “I want to offer my congratulations to everyone who registered for our competitions this year, especially those who are now going on to compete in November’s finals.

“We are really excited to be taking the show on the road again this year with finals hosted by colleges across the UK. We hope seeing the finals in person or catching up with our online content will inspire more young people to develop their skills and have a go at one of our competitions next year.

“Our competitions and competition-based development programmes equip apprentices and students with the lifelong, world-class skills that will help increase UK productivity and competitiveness.”