Tile manufacturer Johnson Tiles is supporting the UK’s top construction apprentices as they prepare to compete at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Taking place in October, WorldSkills is billed as the world’s toughest skills competition, which sees over 1,000 young people from all over the world come together to compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze in their chosen skill.

To support the UK team as they practice for the event, Johnson Tiles has supplied the tiles for over six months of sessions.

Darren Clanford, Creative Director at Johnson Tiles, said: “At Johnson Tiles, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of skilled workers. With tiling being such a necessary profession, it’s imperative that companies such as ours help nurture emerging talent, to ensure longevity for the trade. We wish the UK Squad candidates all the best in their upcoming team selection, and at the event next year.”

Competing for the one place to represent the UK in Wall and Floor Tiling at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 are Kieran Magee, a former apprentice who trained at Southern Regional College and who now runs Kieran Magee Wall and Floor Tiling, and Armondas Tamulis, a former apprentice who trained at Southern Regional College and who is now self-employed.

Both competitors are being trained by Paul Doran, the UK Expert for Wall and Floor Tiling, and a lecturer at Southern Regional College, Northern Ireland.

Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive at WorldSkills UK which manages the UK’s entry in the WorldSkills Competition, said:  “We look forward to working with Johnson Tiles to train the competitors in preparation for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 and we thank them for their generous support.  By using the knowledge gained from competing at WorldSkills, we know we are working to international benchmarks that will ultimately equip more young people to help UK business better compete globally.”

Team UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 will be announced on 21st April.

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