TWO ELECTRICAL engineering students could be on their way to Brazil next year after being selected to join WorldSkills Squad UK.

Alex Scott, 21, from Lliswery, Newport, and Luke Elsmore, 19, from Blackwood, who are both currently studying Industrial Control at the University of South Wales in Newport, will compete for a place in the team representing the UK at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.

WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition in the world.

Held every two years, the competition sees around 1000 young people, aged 18 to 25, from all over the world come together to compete for medals in more than 40 different skills including electrical installation, welding, web design, cooking and bricklaying.

Alex Scott and Luke Elsmore who also work at IAC in the city, are among 10 Welsh youngsters, all aged between 19 and 21 from across Wales who have been named among 98 members of Squad UK.

They were all invited to compete in the selection competitions after excelling at the WorldSkills UK National Competitions.

They will now spend the next 11 months training in their skill supported by their training provider, college, employer and a dedicated training manager. In May next year they will compete for a coveted placed in the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 which takes place from August 11 to 16.

Mr Scott said: “I’m really excited to have reached the next stage of the WorldSkills competitions – more than anything I’m looking forward to having the chance to showcase my skills on a global stage.

"After deciding to follow in my father’s footsteps and embarking on a career in industrial control, the WorldSkills competitions has been the highlight of my career to date. I thoroughly enjoy fixing equipment and working on new projects and believe that these competitions are a great way for young people to improve and develop both their professional and personal skills.”

Mr Elsmore, said: “I’m really excited to get through to the next stage of the WorldSkills competitions. They give young people like me the chance to showcase my skills on a world stage and show everyone just how dedicated I am in my chosen career pathway.”