09 October 2024

Ben Love will be representing Team UK in Mechatronics at WorldSkills Lyon, competing alongside top talent from around the world. After competing in the WorldSkills National Finals and achieving second place, Ben also received a Medallion of Excellence at EuroSkills. Along with his teammate Lucy, Ben is aiming high.

Originally from Manchester, Ben studied BTEC Engineering at Wigan and later completed an apprenticeship with Siemens, in partnership with Tameside College.

When asked why he chose his field, Ben explained, “I’ve always been fascinated by automation, which is a key aspect of my work at Siemens. During my BTEC, I focused on programmable logic control and programming units—skills directly applicable to the WorldSkills Competition. This education provided me with many transferable skills.”

Ben chose a BTEC because he doesn’t respond well to exam-based assessments. “The vocational approach of a BTEC aligns more closely with industry needs and prepared me effectively for my job,” he said.

“Being selected is a testament to all the hard work I’ve put in from the beginning,” Ben shared. “It’s a huge relief and a sense of pride, not only in competing but also in representing my country. It feels like a privilege, and I’m aware that such opportunities are rare.”

Ben’s family and employer have been incredibly supportive. “They are thrilled about the news,” he said. “My dad and granddad will be coming out to support me.”

Ben’s preparation has been rigorous, involving regular training sessions with training managers and additional practice in his spare time. He has also participated in international pressure tests in Budapest and the Netherlands. “These experiences have been invaluable in simulating competition conditions,” he noted. “The toughest part has been maintaining high levels of dedication and passion while understanding team dynamics and individual reactions.”

Ben has gained many transferable skills through WorldSkills UK that have benefited his career. “There’s significant crossover between what I’ve learned at WorldSkills and my job,” he explained.

“I’m excited about the competition environment,” Ben said. “The unexpected sense of teamwork and support at EuroSkills was incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to experiencing that again.”

When asked if he would recommend WorldSkills UK, Ben replied, “Absolutely! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country in a field you’re passionate about. Don’t hesitate—go for it!”

For more information on the WorldSkills competitions visit www.worldskillsuk.org