Andrew Beel
- Age: 21 years
Competitor in Skill: Mechanical Engineering Design - CAD
Country: United Kingdom
How did you get interested in your skill?
I had an interest in design and applied to do a course at New College Lanarkshire. My lecturer at college put me forward for the WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions because he said he saw potential in the work I was producing.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
I trained at New College Lanarkshire.
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
When I was studying at New College Lanarkshire I was encouraged to enter WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions and I got involved after seeing how far skills competitions could take you. I am proud to say that after winning Gold in Mechanical Engineering: CAD in the WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions at The Skills Show in 2013, I am now representing the UK in at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.
As part of my training for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 I competed in EuroSkills Lille 2014 and won Gold.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My lecturers at New College Lanarkshire. They have always been behind me, giving me their full support and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
I won Gold in the finals of the Mechanical Engineering: CAD in the WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions at The Skills Show in 2013. After this, I was asked to compete for a place in Squad UK.
As part of my training for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 I competed in EuroSkills Lille 2014 and won Gold.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
The wait before finding out I had made it into Team UK. It is horrible, waiting to be called in front of the judging panel to find out the result.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
It has been a great experience. Supported by my Training Managers Matt Bell, who works for Autodesk Education Europe, and Barry Skea, who works for New College Lanarkshire, I have completed training in the UK and internationally to help further my knowledge and build my skills.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Yes most definitely! Without the experience of competing nationally and internationally I would not be in the job I am in.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
Pacson Valve Ltd.
What are your future career aspirations?
I want to continue to progress within Pacson Valve Ltd as they have been hugely supportive of my involvement with WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions. I would also like to continue to working with WorldSkills and train new competitors, ensuring my sector continues to benefit from skills competitions.