South Wales electrical engineering apprentices Alex Scott and Luke Elsmore struck gold in the finals of the WorldSkills UK National Competitions.

The two, apprentices at Newport-based controls systems firm IAC, each won gold after battling it out against some of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners.

Alex Scott, aged 20, a fourth year apprentice, fromNewport, and Luke Elsmore, aged 19, a third year apprentice, from Blackwood, represented IAC competing in the Industrial Control Section at The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham. The pair used Siemens PLC and Festo Products equipment to take part in the competition.

Alex, a former pupil at Lliswerry High School, and Luke, who attended Blackwood School, both also study at the University of South Wales in Newport and with Newport and District Group Training Association (NDGTA) as part of their apprenticeship training at IAC.

Peter Lewis, managing director of IAC, which is based at Queensway Meadows, said: “Alex and Luke are exceptionally talented apprentices and we’re thrilled that they both lifted gold at Worldskills UK. We were certain that they would do very well in this prestigious and highly regarded competition and our confidence has been rewarded with them each securing gold.”

Mr Lewis said IAC, a multi-award winning global controls systems company, are committed to supporting apprenticeships. The established Newport firm currently has eight apprentices in its workforce and take on two a year.

Alex and Luke competed over three days at The Skills Show against aspiring industrial control apprentice engineers from all over the UK. During the competition the pair had to complete a number of specific and intricate tasks.

Jaine Bolton, chief operating officer, National Apprenticeship Service, said: “I offer my congratulations to Alex and Luke, They have demonstrated their skill to the highest level.

“Entering WorldSkills UK Competitions really does have a tremendous effect on competitors and their employers alike. Past winners have gone on to secure promotions, launch their own businesses and represent their country in their chosen skill. We really want to see more people entering competitions to prove to the whole of the UK just how many talented people we have in this country.”