Only two competitors will be given the chance to be part of the UK Team to represent the country at International WorldSkills in Shanghai in October 2022.
Adam Kirkpatrick and Cameron Middleton, silver medallists at the UK National Final competition in November 2021, and bronze medallist, Jude Moore, competed in a two-day competition on Friday 29th April and Saturday 30th April at the College’s Farm Lodge campus to try and secure one of the two spots on the UK Team.
They will undertake an International Test Project based on offline and online industrial robot programming to prove their level of competence in this skill.
Northern Regional College lecturer in Engineering and WorldSkills UK Training Manager in Robot Systems Integration, Karla Kosch explained, “The two qualifying competitors will undergo a further five months of intensive training with international teams such as Germany, Austria, France and Japan.
“They will be completing Virtual International Pressure Tests or participating on tests projects in Europe in order to be well prepared for the international competition and maximise their potential in this skill area and bring home an international WorldSkills medal from this prestigious competition.”
Adam Kirkpatrick completed his Foundation Degree in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at Northern Regional College and is currently completing a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Ulster University.
Adam said: “Being part of the UK Squad has been a fantastic experience. I am learning lots of new things and challenging myself more than I could have ever expected. I have met a lot of inspiring people who are as passionate about their skills as I am and seeing how motivated they are encourages me to work even harder.
“I am excited, and nervous, for the final milestone ahead. I believe it will challenge us on all of the skills that we have built so far. I can’t wait to give it my all and push myself for the highest level of excellence that I can achieve.”
Cameron Middleton completed his Foundation Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the College and is now completing his Mechatronics Engineering Degree at Ulster University.
Cameron said: “Over the past few months, I have been on numerous bootcamps and weekly training sessions as part of the UK Squad where I have learned a great deal more about what it truly means to represent your country on an international level and have expanded upon my existing skills as well as building new ones. These skills not only help with the technical side of this competition, but also throughout everyday life and work.
The final assessment stage will be a culmination of all that I have learned up to this point, a true test to determine if I am capable of representing the UK to the best of my ability. I am ready to give it my all.”
Finally, Jude Moore completed his Foundation Degree in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at the College and is now completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Ulster University.
Jude said: “What made me want to continue to be a part of WorldSkills is the fact that I get to represent the College and Ulster University at a worldwide competition. The most recent training phase has been very difficult for me due to the fact I had to balance my university studies and work hours with the competition’s tight schedule, including travel arrangements.
“Although I have had to sacrifice work hours to complete the bootcamps and the assessments, I have learned a lot more about industrial robotics than I had before. I have really enjoyed the training so far, particularly the week in FANUC UK.”
Gordon Kane, Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering and the College’s Skills Champion, wishes the three competitors every success in the team selection event and in their quest to become part of the UK Team in Robotics and Automation for International WorldSkills in Shanghai 2022.
“We are justifiably proud of them all for what they have achieved so far. It is a wonderful achievement to be eligible to compete for a place on the UK Industrial Robotics team and it is a reflection of their hard work and application to the competition process to date. They are shining examples of the skills and talent inherent to our young people and their achievements reflect their commitment and dedication in pursuing their chosen career paths, and I wish them all every success,” he said.