Worsley teen going for gold at engineering competition

A teenager from Worsley has reached the final of a national engineering competition.

Ben Love, 19, is set to take part in the National Finals of the 2022 WorldSkills UK competition in the week commencing November 14th.

Currently in the second year of a degree apprenticeship at Siemens Digital Industries, Ben and fellow apprentice, Lucy Yelland, will be going up against 500 other engineers from across the UK.

The final, at Barking & Dagenham College, is the culmination of a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training.

Winners go on to represent Team UK at the skills competition in Lyon, France, in 2024.

Ben Love said: “I’m excited that we have reached the WorldSkills UK final and just aim to do my best, enjoy myself and see how it goes.”

After growing up learning the basics of electronics from his Dad, an electrical engineer, Ben went on to create a home automation system at only 14.

Since then, Ben has earned a BTEC Diploma in electrical and electronic engineering,  created bluetooth speakers and launched his own additive manufacturing business, distributing throughout the world.

He continued: “Having been exposed to Siemens technology from an early age, there was only one company I wanted to work for…It has been a dream come true. There are so many opportunities. I just want to experience as many different parts of the business as I can and see where it takes me.”

Commenting on their achievement, Brian Holliday, Managing Director for Siemens Digital Industries, said: “Lucy and Ben have shown real dedication and determination to make it so far in the competition and we are very proud of them. Their achievement demonstrates a promising career at Siemens.

“Early careers opportunities like apprenticeships are a critical part of our mission to ensure we have the talent and growth mindset we need for the future.”