Carmarthenshire sends hairdressing student to skills final in Russia

A hairdressing student from Carmarthenshire is preparing to travel to Kazan in Russia this month to represent Wales as part of Team UK at the WorldSkills international competition.

WorldSkills is the world’s largest skill competition aimed at raising the profile of skilled young people from all corners of the globe to help them reach their full potential.

Phoebe will travel with six other Welsh competitors to make up the 37-strong team of the most talented young people from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Taking place over four days (22-27 August), WorldSkills International in Kazan, Russia will bring together competitors from 63 countries to compete in 56 different skills.

The seven Welsh competitors are;

• Chris Caine from Pembrokeshire for joinery,
• Sam Everton from Ceredigion for cookery,
• Thomas Lewis from Bridgend for electrical installation,
• Phoebe McLavy from Carmarthenshire for hairdressing,
• Collette Gorvett from Swansea for restaurant services,
• Thomas Thomas from Gwynedd for plumbing and heating,
• Kyle Woodward from Cardiff for cyber security.

They will battle it out against their international peers to be named best in the world at their chosen skill.

WorldSkills International is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’ and is held every two years in one of the WorldSkills member countries. The Kazan competition features an opening and closing flag ceremony bringing together all the countries to celebrate the achievements of young people globally.

Phoebe from Carmarthenshire who is competing in hairdressing said: “Over the past few months I’ve had international competitions in China, Canada and Australia in preparation for the WorldSkills International in Kazan.

“The competition in Canada was the first time I had used hair extensions to make hair shorter and the competition in China gave a unique look into bridal styles and how they use orientation to create a traditional bridal look.

“It’s great having the opportunity to compete all over the world and gain insight into the different ways countries train for hairdressing. Especially being able to improve my own skills through the inspiration from different cultural styles and techniques I haven’t practised before.

“As side from training physically, I’ve also tried to mentally prepare myself by changing my daily routine to incorporate the time difference and eating patterns in Kazan.

“The competition is fast approaching and I’m very nervous but extremely excited to have the opportunity to showcase my skills to people from all over the world.”

Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said “We are just weeks away from the challenge of a lifetime.

“I am delighted to have 37 young people from the UK going over to Russia and we want to take this time to celebrate them, their achievements so far, and their potential in the gear up to their Russian adventure.

“The goal for Team UK is to retain its top-10 position in the world. But getting this far is a massive achievement in itself as these young people are the best in the UK in what they do.”

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said: “Having seven Welsh competitors in Team UK demonstrates the very talented young people we have here in Wales and the growing strength of our skills base right across the country.

“These young people will represent Wales and their employers on a global scale and demonstrate Wales’ commitment, as a country, to investing in our future generations.

“I would like to wish everyone competing in Team UK the very best of luck at the WorldSkills international finals and look forward to welcoming home our Welsh competitors in September.”

WorldSkills International in Russia is the 45^th WorldSkills event and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors over four days.