UK’s top apprentices clinched gold at event dubbed the Skills Olympics
THE UK’s top apprentices have clinched gold at an international event dubbed the Skills Olympics.
The WorldSkills Finals is held every two years to showcase apprenticeships and technical skills.
This week saw the 37 members of Team UK pick up 19 medals: two gold, one silver, one bronze and 15 medallions of excellence, meaning students met world-class standards.
More than 250,000 people gathered in Kazan, Russia, for the spectacular closing ceremony which was addressed by President Putin.
Both the opening and closing ceremonies were televised in the UK for the first time. Every team member is under 25 and winning a medal marks you out as a future leader in your industry.
Youngsters with potential are identified by governing body WorldSkills UK, which selects and trains the team before each event.
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One way to be in charge
IF you aim to be your own boss but don’t know where to start, have a look at a franchise. Tomorrow has been branded Franchise Appreciation Day, to get people to look at instant set-up businesses.
Randle Stonier, founder of , has pointers to see if a franchise is right for you.
- Work out if you have a passion for the franchise or just for the money? Setting up and running a franchise is a big investment of your time and money, so if you’re not interested in the franchise subject, you’re setting yourself up to fail.
- Do your homework on your prospective market. How has it performed over the last five to ten years? What are the current consumer trends? Go into it with eyes wide open.
- Work out how much you can potentially earn and how many hours a week you need to graft to earn this. Is this compatible to your needs?
- Franchises have ongoing costs. While potential earnings might convince you it’s worth taking a risk, it is likely to take a while for your business to get going, so make sure you can pay your bills while you build business.
- Research the franchise business you are hoping to sign up to. Do they have a proven success rate? Is the franchise a member of the British Franchise Association, Approved Franchise Association or a major trade association? Know your stuff.
- To set up a pet care franchise from £1,999 plus VAT, visit