A Wrexham lad is preparing to go for gold at the ‘skills olympics’ in Shanghai later this year after making the UK Team for the global showcase.

Team UK will be going up against rivals from more than 80 countries in an effort to be crowned the world’s best in their particular skill at the event in China from 13–16 October.

Twenty-four-year-old Charlie Samson from Wrexham will be working in the manufacturing team challenge competition, alongside fellow students.

He is part of a 39-strong team hoping to help the UK climb back into the global top 10 after a 12th place finish at the 2019 event in Kazan, Russia. 

The finals are usually a two year programme, but they have been pushed back due to covid.

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Charlie works for Kronospan and was at Magellan Aerospace (UK) Ltd when he started out in the WorldSkills UK competition in 2019. He said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have made it to Team UK. All the lads have done brilliantly and we can’t wait for the training ahead of going to Shanghai. It’s going to be an incredible experience going to China; hopefully we can come back with the gold medal.”

WorldSkills UK Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge said: “After the delays and difficulties of the past couple of years, we should all be proud of the skill and determination these young professionals have shown to get out there and fly the flag for the UK."

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"They represent the very best in their field, but will have to be at the top of their game competing against their peers from across the globe. 

“The event is a real opportunity to raise the profile and prestige of UK skills and is a life-changing opportunity for all involved.