Orlando Rawlings selected for UK WorldSkills team
11th March 2019
UK: Daikin UK apprentice Orlando Rawlings has been named in the UK team for the WorldSkills competition in Russia.
Rawlings, who is studying for his Level 3 qualification at the Grimsby Institute, will represent the UK in the refrigeration and air conditioning competition in the prestigious event, which takes place in Kazan in August. He joins the UK team of more than 30 young professionals from engineering, hospitality and professional services, construction and digital and IT.
Speaking on the Grimsby College website, Orlando Rawlings admitted he felt proud but overwhelmed by his selection: “It was a big surprise to find out I was successful because it was quite a hard week and I wasn’t too confident.”
Speaking about the competition, he continued: “It’s been a big extra commitment, with all of the additional training, but I’m really pleased I’ve made it this far. The college put me forward for it, after doing the regional round here this time last year, and both my tutors and employers have supported me all the way.”
Rawlings, who had to complete a number of tasks such as wiring and commissioning in a control system, added: “My employer sent me here because they believe it’s the best college in the country to do this course.”
Nick Marshall, Grimsby College’s curriculum manager for manufacturing technologies, said: “Orlando’s achievement in making the UK squad with a view to making it to Kazan is significant. The refrigeration team are excited and very proud of what Orlando has achieved.
“Orlando’s dedication and enthusiasm are undeniable and is a fantastic role model to other apprentices in the sector,” he added.
Rawlings qualified for the selection process after winning Bronze at the UK’s SkillFridge competition in 2017. He will be the first UK refrigeration and air conditioning competitor in the biennial WorldSkills competition since Chris Bailie won Silver in the 2015 event in Brazil.
More than 60 countries are sending teams to Kazan to compete for medals in 56 different skills disciplines.
