Irwin Tool supports WorldSkills

Hand tool manufacturer Irwin Tools provided a variety of tools and accessories to the competitors taking part in the WorldSkills London 2011 competition.

WorldSkills International is the world’s largest international skills-based competition. This year’s event took place at ExCel London from October 4 – 9 2011, and featured more than 1000 competitors from 52 countries around the world.

Sectors covered included Construction and Building, Automotive, Engineering and Manufacturing Process, ICT and Creative Arts & Fashion. As part of its sponsorship, IRWIN provided a varied selection of tools to be used in the events, including vices, clamps, saws, drill bits and utliity knives and blades.

Korea scooped the top prize of the Albert Vidal Award, which is awarded to the competitor who achieves the highest overall score in all competition areas. The UK team finished sixth overall. In the Construction and Building Arena, the UK’s Philip Green claimed a Gold in Bricklaying, Adam Bushnell received a Bronze in Joinery, while Joe Price was awarded a Medal of Excellence in Carpentry.

Paul Jakeway, senior channel marketing manager at IRWIN Tools, said: “WorldSkills International provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors.

“We have long been a supporter of the future of professional trades through our search for the UK’s Ultimate Apprentice and our work with Skill Build. The partnership with WorldSkills takes this to the next level and spreads this ethos globally.”