LAUNCESTON’S Charlotte Dawe is preparing to compete in the WorldSkills UK Competitions National Finals at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham from Thursday, November 16 to Saturday, November 18.

Charlotte, 28, is a student at the Academy of Floral Art and is a full-time employee at Flower Scene in Launceston.

The free event is the UK’s largest skills and careers show for young people, providing an inspiring insight into the world of work.

The WorldSkills UK Competitions is run in over 50 skill areas — including construction, engineering, digital and hospitality, to name but a few. The aim is to advance a person’s apprenticeship or training programme by enhancing their employability skills.

In addition to watching the UK’s top trainees go head-to-head in the WorldSkills UK finals, visitors to The Skills Show will have a wealth of talks and activities to explore, from discovering all manner of skilled vocations, to meeting independent careers advisers, who’ll be on hand to provide impartial advice and guidance on the best routes to take. Visitors can also find out more about live employment and training vacancies available during ‘Sign Up Saturday’, which takes place on the final day.

Chief executive of WorldSkills UK, Dr Neil Bentley, said: “I wish Charlotte the best of luck as she prepares to compete at The Skills Show. Our research shows that WorldSkills UK Competitions teach young people the employability skills that businesses are crying out for. By devising and managing skills competitions that are based on international standards, we can ensure more young people are being equipped with the right skills to help UK businesses compete globally.”

Charlotte won her place in the National Finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions after scoring highly in the national heats held across the UK, run in partnership with The British Florist Association. When asked about this exciting achievement, Charlotte said: “I’m really looking forward to this great experience, but also very nervous at the same time. I look forward to doing my very best at the competition and hopefully bring home a medal.”

Training and education manager of the British Florist Association, Sandie Griffith, said: “The Skills show is where the best compete at the highest level in their chosen skill. It raises levels of expertise, which in turn helps us benchmark our apprenticeships and training programmes. I am proud of all the competitors who have made it to this year’s national final. Working with this young emerging talent is truly inspiring, and helps our industry get the recognition it deserves.”

Register to attend The Skills Show for free at worldskillsuk.org