Ross currently studies at Carlisle College and works at Langley Furniture Works. It was at college that his tutor suggested that he enter the National Qualifiers for the WorldSkills UK Joinery Competition.
Ross, from Langley in Northumberland, prefers practical learning rather than sitting in a classroom so decided to follow a technical education route, doing a level two apprenticeship in joinery.
“I didn’t like school and I didn’t like exams, but I’m good with my hands so rather than doing a uni course, I decided to do an apprenticeship.”
Ross currently studies at Carlisle College and works at Langley Furniture Works. It was at college that his tutor suggested that he enter the National Qualifiers for the WorldSkills UK Joinery Competition. Ross took part with a determined mindset, “I thought I want to go in and win!”
This approach paid off and he made it to the National Finals at WorldSkills UK LIVE in November 2019, where he competed against the best joiners in the UK and ended up scooping a coveted Silver Medal.
After impressing the judges at the National Finals, Ross was selected for Squad UK to undergo intensive skill set and mindset training that WorldSkills UK is renowned for and to be in the running to join Team UK in competing on the international stage.
Ross says his favourite part of being part of Squad UK is: “The training sessions and just being able to crack on with it. I’ve learned new techniques and the skills I’ve had to develop have gone up a level.”
When Ross found out he was selected for Team UK to compete at EuroSkills Graz in January 2021 he felt really pleased: “I was happy, it shows that hard work does eventually pay off.”
He’s looking forward to developing his skills even further when he competes internationally:
“Taking part in EuroSkills with take my skills to an even higher level.”
Ross says his favourite part about taking part in WorldSkills UK Competitions is “knowing I’ve got the ability to go as far as I want to take it.” He would also encourage other apprentice joiners to take part saying, “100 per cent do it, it’s a real eye-opener.”
Looking to the future Ross’ career goal is to work for himself:
“One day it would be ideal to be self-employed and have my own set up at home.”
EuroSkills Graz is currently postponed due to COVID-19.
