Former City students named in Team UK, WorldSkills Lyon 2024

Former City of Glasgow College students Finley Graham and Yasmin George are set to make their mark on the global stage as they represent the UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, dubbed the 'skills Olympics'. Finley, specialising in IT Network Systems Administration, and Yasmin, in 3D Digital Game Art, have been selected to compete as part of Team UK in this prestigious event.

With over 65 countries and regions participating and more than 1,500 competitors showcasing their skills in 62 professions, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is not just a competition: it's a testament to the prowess of the world's future workforce. Just like their counterparts in traditional sports, Finley and Yasmin have dedicated themselves to rigorous training, preparing for this momentous opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.

Yasmin expressed great appreciation of her support from the College: “I am so grateful to all the lecturers and trainers at City of Glasgow College. I could not have gotten as far as I did without them and will forever remember the faith they had in my work.”

Their participation in the 'skills Olympics' is about personal achievement and about highlighting the UK's commitment to excellence in vocational and technical education. As Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, aptly puts it: “WorldSkills Lyon 2024 - think the Olympic Games – where the prize is the world-class skills that UK employers are crying out for.

“The UK’s participation in the ‘skills Olympics’ will provide vital insights to ensure we can develop our apprenticeship and training programmes, to make them truly world-class.”

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson, the sponsor of the event, emphasises the significance of Finley and Yasmin's journey: “Pearson shares many goals with WorldSkills UK - celebrating the best of vocational and technical education, raising awareness and the prestige of the sector and supporting young people to set benchmarks of excellence in their chosen fields.

“I hope the Team UK members take pride in the fact that their dedication and talent have rightfully earned them a place in this prestigious competition.

The skills they have honed, and the standards they have worked so hard to reach, represent the very best our nation has to offer. Here at Pearson, we are cheering you on every step of the way.”

As Finley, Yasmin, and their teammates gear up for WorldSkills Lyon 2024, they carry with them their individual aspirations, as well as the hopes of a nation looking to optimise future economic growth through skilled expertise. Let us cheer them on as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing the UK with pride and determination on the global stage.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the 47th WorldSkills Competition, will take place from 10-15 September.