14/11/2023
Hot off the heels of his successful bid at the World Skills UK national finals last year, a Dudley College of Technology apprentice has returned to the competition and found success a second time.
Tom Sadler (aged 19), a Level 3 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprentice has once again battled his way through to the national finals after competing in a recent West Midlands regional heat. During the competition, he presented one of his creations, which was produced from his own design template and celebrated as one of the top ten entries in the contest.
He is now busy preparing for a gruelling four-day project by producing a range of CAD designs and bringing them to life with the support of his tutor, Andy Whitehouse. Though understandably nervous about the competition, Tom has remained confident about his big challenge, saying:
“I’ve enjoyed taking part in the World Skills competition so far, but it’s been a lot of hard work. I’m nervous, but with the support of my employer, the college and Andy, I have never felt so much pride in my work.”
Andy Whitehouse, Tom’s tutor echoed Tom’s sentiments saying:
“I’m nervous for him, but I’m sure that whatever he’s asked to design, he’ll know what to do and how to do it. He’s a very good student and I think he has a great chance to do well in the competition”.
His employer, Collins Aerospace, based in Wolverhampton, has extended their support by giving him the time off work needed to practice fabricating his designs. His team are even planning to visit him in Manchester whilst he undertakes the competition. Tom began working with Collins Aerospace in September 2023 and hopes to continue his career by progressing into a Level 4 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship.
As a competitor in the World Skills UK national finals, Tom could be invited to join the WorldSkills UK International Development Programme for the WorldSkills Competition in 2026, which will be hosted in Denmark
