Edward Harringman
- Age: 21 years
Competitor in Skill: Cabinetmaking
Country: United Kingdom
How did you get interested in your skill?
When I was at school I completed a GCSE in Resistant Materials and I realised that I wanted a career where I could work with my hands and create things.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
I attended Chichester College.
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
My college encouraged me to enter the WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions in Cabinet Making where I won Gold at The Skills Show, the UK’s largest careers and skills event. I trained as part of Squad UK for WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 and although I didn’t get selected to compete, I was successful in securing place in Squad and Team UK for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I really wanted to run my own business so I thought it would be best to start it with the skill I was best at. I motivated myself to train as a cabinet maker.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My college encouraged me to enter the WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions in Cabinet Making where I won Gold at The Skills Show, the UK’s largest careers and skills event. I trained as part of Squad UK for WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 and although I didn’t get selected to compete, I was successful in securing place in Squad and Team UK for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.
Since being part of Squad and Team UK for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 I have completed an intense training programme, supported by my Training Manager Christian Notley from Chichester College. This has included learning new techniques to make different pieces of furniture.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
For me it was finishing my piece of furniture at the Team UK Selection Competition, this meant a lot to me.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills has definitely helped me. I tell all of my customers that I compete and I believe it helps me secure business as they have faith in my skill level.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I own my own business Harringman Cabinet Making.
What are your future career aspirations?
I want to expand my business and grow my staff and customer base.