UK awarded jewellery medal at WorldSkills competition

The UK has been awarded a jewellery medal at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paolo, Brazil.

Ben Pritchard, an apprentice on the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Programme, was awarded a medal of excellence after he created a specific piece of jewellery in a set time at the competition.

Pritchard, who was apprentice to Harvey Sillis, was chosen to represent the UK in the jewellery category of the event – which took place between August 11 and 16 – after winning the UK round of the competition.

As a result of his success, the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) has admitted Pritchard as an associate fellow of the organisation.

Speaking before the event, Pritchard said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.

“It still really hasn’t sunk in. I hope I can use this opportunity to inspire the next generation of the UK’s workforce and showcase how apprenticeships and training can lead to successful employment opportunities.”