Young mechatronics stars to compete at EuroSkills

The competition, which takes place between 4th and 6th October in Spa, Belgium, will form part of the competitors' training ahead of the selection for Team UK in March 2013. Squad UK team members representing mechatronics include James Overend, 22 from Bellaghy, Northern Ireland, who studies at the Engineering Training Council for Northern Ireland, and David Cargill, 18 from Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, who studies at Northern Regional College. Jaine Bolton, coo at the National Apprenticeship Service and UK official delegate to EuroSkills, said: "This will be the first experience for the Squad UK members of competing against competitors from different countries. "It is an important part of their training ahead of the selection for Team UK as it will enable them to benchmark their skill levels against those from all over Europe and gain confidence in competing in front of audiences. I wish them the best of luck at the competition." Squad UK members not competing at EuroSkills will take part in other competitions and industry events as part of their training programmes. This includes The Skills Show, which takes place from 15th to17th November at the NEC Birmingham.