Part of the National Apprenticeship Service

TeamUK Results 2011

5 Gold
2 Silver
6 Bronze

Biography

Matthew Bell

South West
Skill: 
Mechanical Engineering CAD
Home Town: 
Somerset
Employer: 
CADSkills UK
Self Employed: 
Yes

 

Qualifications: 

GCGI, HND Mechatronics, Cert Ed

Memberships : 

Member of Institute of Engineering Designers (IED).

Are you City & Guilds qualified?: 
Yes
Who would you like to thank for their support?: 

I would like to thank my family for all their support, not only to me but also to the competitors who were regularly feed and look after!

What made you take on this role?: 

I entered a student of mine in 2006 into a national competition (Michael Westlake) and got hooked then.

Why do you think WorldSkills is important?: 

It is a great way to improve the image of vocational education and showcase the huge talent we have on offer in the UK.

What do you enjoy most about your role?: 

Seeing young engineers develop and grow into successful design engineers and reach their full potential.

How has this year differed to WorldSkills Calgary 2009?: 

This cycle has proven to be far more demanding on myself and also the competitors as having savoured success by winning Gold at EuroSkills, we really do now have the taste for more.

What do you think being part of this process does for young people?: 

It matures them for life in the industry and helps them develop soft skills and confidence that makes them stand out above their peers.

What sets a WS competitor apart from your average young person?: 

The will to push themselves to go that extra mile in the pursuit of excellence and not settling for competence.

What would be your message to industry about entering future competitions?: 

This process not only showcases the skills of your employees but the training they receive will undoubtedly benefit the company back in the work place.

What impact will WorldSkills London 2011 have on your industry?: 

We need to raise the profile of CAD and show that engineering is not a ‘dirty trade’ but that with the use of new technology it is a clean, creative industry that is leading the way in engineering practices in the UK.

What are your personal achievements: 

Being awarded an Inspiring Others to Learn award that I was nominated for by one of my past competitors will also stand high in my list of achievements.

Something we didn’t know about you...: 

I’m a keen sportsman and play football and rugby on a regular basis, and compete in MMA/ mixed martial arts.