The COEX Centre played host to the 661 entrants who fought for glory in the 39 trade categories at the competition on 13-16 September.
A strong UK team competed in 30 trades, ranging from cabinet making to cnc milling, hairdressing to floristry. The electrical sector was represented by Alex Lockhart of Cameron Electrics, Northern Ireland, who battled for top spot in the commercial wiring category.
The wiring event attracted 23 entrants, who had to complete a four-day project designed to test their knowledge and practical skills of electrical installation, maintenance and services for industrial, commercial and domestic premises.
The format of the category had changed for 2001, and was split into five modules:
The level and intensity of competitiveness within the category was the highest to date – so much so that two gold medals were awarded, Australia and South Korea tying for first place. Japan took the bronze medal.
Overall Alex scored 491 points out of a possible 600, just nine points short of the 500 needed for the diploma of excellence. He was in 16th place overall. To set his placing in context, the gold medal competitors scored 535 points, and only 20 points separated the top ten. This really was the world premier league!
Alex performed very well, remaining focused and determined to the very last minute of the competition. His reaction at the final whistle was one of relief, and he lists this as probably the most exhilarating experience of his life.
Alex's training and development programme was completed during 2000 and 2001 and this prepared him well technically and mentally to compete at international level. However, nothing can prepare you for the size and scale of the World Skills Competition.
The final preparations began approximately six months before the contest, when the details of the freestyle module were released. For this module Alex had to design a circuit that satisfied the project specifications, using UK materials and equipment. He then had to build the structure during the competition.
Alex's skills came to the fore in the wiring installation module, where he scored the highest mark of any competitor. His first challenge in this module was getting to grips with the local Korean materials, especially the 16 mm metal conduit and the pvc flexible conduit that required working by the use of heat lamps.
Unfortunately the points he gained in this module were negated later, when time ran out before he was able to complete the control installation module.
That said, Alex proved himself an excellent ambassador for the UK electrical industry. He showed resilience and stamina and extended the hand of friendship to his competitors.
Support network
The world final is the culmination of two years' effort by the SkillElectric organising committee. A key element of the process is the support given by employers.
The support of Alex's employer, Fred Cameron of Cameron Electrics, Craigavon was vital this year. He permitted Alex time away from the workplace to take part in the competition and gain the necessary training. The company also showed commitment in providing Alex work opportunities to develop and enhance his skills.
Supporting Alex through his development programme and at the competition was Jeff Pinner, from Stourbridge College, West Midlands. Jeff provided the technical expertise for the UK within the commercial wiring trade category. He also had responsibility for verifying the final project in Seoul, and sat on the international judging panel.
Organising any activity on a national scale needs considerable resource and infrastructure. In this area our thanks must go to Legrand Electric, who through its national sponsorship has ensured the success of SkillElectric over the last ten years.
Finally, the sector must recognise the level of hard work that all the apprentices within the SkillElectric competition process have put in over the last two years at regional and national level in order to achieve representation at Seoul.
Future plans
The SkillElectric organising committee is now focusing on the selection process for the next World Skills Competition in St Gallen, Switzerland in September 2003.
This will involve a fundamental review of the SkillElectric process by the partners on the organising committee, with the objective of developing SkillElectric to broaden the involvement of companies and young people within the sector. The second step will be to develop SkillElectric into a showcase for the opportunities that the sector can offer to potential entrants. These steps will provide challenges for SkillElectric over the coming year.
Another opportunity exists in the form of a major national skills festival, which is planned for November 2002 in Manchester after the Commonwealth Games.
It is intended that this high profile event will be the host to all the UK national finals for the next World Skills Competition and other vocational competitions. The festival will also provide the electrical sector with an excellent method of promoting itself to young people in considerable numbers and lifting the industry's profile.
How to get involved
Any employer, company, individual or college of further education that wants to be more involved with SkillElectric should contact Neil Cruickshank, secretary to the organising committee by telephone on 020 7313 4822 or by e-mail: neil.cruickshank@ eca.co.ukThe road to Seoul
Regional competition finalists England and Wales – hosted and organised by JTLEastleigh, Hampshire
Manchester
Scotland – hosted and organised by SECT
N Ireland – hosted and organised by ETT
National competition finalists
Held at the Interbuild exhibition, June 2000
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
Postscript
Neil Cruickshank is the secretary to the SkillElectric organising committee, which has representation from the ECA, AEEU, JTL, SECTT, ETT, Electrical and Mechanical Contractor, Stourbridge College and UK Skills.
