A bricklaying apprentice from Leicester College is celebrating after taking joint gold medal at the WorldSkills UK 2014 national final, which took place at the NEC in November 2014.

Tom Sinfield, 21 from Shepshed, Loughborough, had already taken silver medal in the same competition a year before. To triumph in the regional heats of SkillBuild for the second year and then successfully compete against the other highest scorers nationally at the WorldSkills UK Skills Show, the UK’s biggests skill and career show, Tom has done exceptionally well.

Tom who is employed by Jelson LTD, said he is proud of representing Leicester College and showcasing his skill for the second year running.

He said: “To win Gold medal after winning silver last year is just amazing. I have worked very hard over the last year to perfect my skill even further and it has really paid off.”

“I want to continue to grow and learn more and hopefully win more medals in the future.”

Keith Binns, Brick work lecturer at Leicester College has supported Tom throughout the competitions. He said: “I am absolutely delighted for Tom, having missed out on UK Squad selection earlier in the year this is a wonderful way to have his hard work and endeavours recognised, he has worked so hard over not only this year but for the whole of the three years he has been with us here at Leicester College. His accolades serve to remind others of what can be with the right attitude to learning, a passion for what you are doing and determination to be successful. To win a silver medal last year and improve that with a gold medal this year is a truly marvellous achievement and one which as his tutor I feel both proud and privileged to of been a party to.”

WorldSkills UK Competitions inspire young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level and are the highlight of The Skills Show. During The Skills Show, over 700 of the UK’s most talented apprentices, employees and learners battled it out in 70 Competitions ranging from Visual Merchandise to Floristry to be named the ‘best in the UK’ in their chosen skill.

Ross Maloney, Chief Executive, Find a Future, said: “The Skills Show is an amazing showcase for the nation’s vast variety of skills. Just as we celebrate our athletes, so we champion our skills and inspire young people to make their own mark on industry.  Congratulations to all those who took part in the WorldSkills UK Competitions.

“It is through competition activity, The Skills Show and The Skills Show Experience that Find a Future can provide young people and their parents with the chance to get excited about the world of work and make informed choices about their future.”

Tom may be invited to join the shortlist for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. The WorldSkills Competition takes place every two years in cities around the globe and is the largest international skills competition, Squad UK is currently in training for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 which takes place from 11 to 16 August, 2015.