Twenty-two-year-old Reece Taylor, a welder at Stanley-based Dyer Engineering, is jetting off to Sao Paulo, Brazil and flying the flag for the United Kingdom at the world’s largest international skills competition.
He will form part of the 40-strong Team UK, which will compete at WorldSkills against more than a thousand 18-25 year-olds from all corners of the globe, in a bid to be crowned the best in their field.
Reece, who served an apprenticeship at Dyer Engineering before gaining a permanent position, is well-known in the industry after battling past hundreds of entrants from much larger organisations to make it to the final of UK SkillWeld – a result that played a large part in him securing a place on Team UK.
Key to his progression has been the support of his employer, which has invested significant time and money in his comprehensive training and allowing Reece the flexibility to compete. Further support and training has come from Derwentside College and Lincoln Electric.
With 60 nations represented, WorldSkills competitions showcase and inspire world-class excellence in skills by challenging young professionals around the world to become the best in the skill of their chosen field. The competitors represent the best students selected from local and national skills competitions for professional education.
Dyer Engineering, which is a member of energy sector business development organisation, NOF Energy, operates out of its multi-site facility in County Durham and specialises in precision machined, high integrity fabrications.
Graeme Parkins, Managing Director at Dyer Engineering, said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to hone and perfect our employees’ skills in order to tackle the skills shortage head on.
“We have shared Reece’s ambition from day one and wish him the best of luck in Brazil. The fact that he is on a level playing field with employees from multi-national organisations speaks volumes for his talent, as well as the in-house training programme we deliver.”
Paul Livingstone, business development manager at NOF Energy, added: “It’s extremely encouraging to see Reece competing on a global stage; it reinforces the North East of England’s reputation as a premier location for supply chain companies with the capabilities to deliver a world-class service.”
Reece said: “When I started my apprenticeship I never imagined that four years on I would be competing to become one of the world’s best young welders. I’m extremely grateful for the continued support from Graeme and the team and I am aiming to re-pay the faith they have put in me.”
The 43rd WorldSkills Competition will take place at Anhembi Parque, São Paulo, Brazil from 11 to 16 August 2015