A Coleg Gwent engineering student is in the running for a top motor vehicle award and the chance to compete in the largest international vocational skills competition in the world, WorldSkills London 2011.
David Thomas, a part-time vehicle body repair student based at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus, is one of four finalists hoping to be crowned Young Panel Technician of the Year at the Bodyshop Thatcham 2010 Craft Awards held at the Birmingham NEC on Friday 24 September.
David, who now works for Newport Ford after completing his body repair apprenticeship at Cwmbran Ford, took part in a practical assessment at Manchester College earlier this year after being selected from among the top 7% in the country during the early stages of the competition. This was followed by a further two day heat at Thatcham Automotive Academy demonstrating skills including motor vehicle repair and damage assessment.
The winner of the Young Panel Technician of the Year Award will get the chance to compete against contestants from all over the world next year in WorldSkills London 2011. WorldSkills competitions aim to lift standards of training and performance while promoting world class skills and international competitiveness.
David will be accompanied to the awards by lecturers Geoff Park and Richard Wheeler, they said: “We are all very proud of David’s achievements so far and wish him every success at the award ceremony.”
