Alstom Welding Apprentice wins Silver Medal at European Competition

Danny Broadbent, Alstom apprentice from Stafford has won a silver medal at the prestigious European Skills Competition in Lisbon, Portugal. The event, which promoted vocational education and training, including technical excellence and proficiency in welding processes, was attended by 500 apprentices from all over Europe.

‘Bright spark’ Danny (21), has been with Alstom for four years and qualified for the European competition in April by winning the bronze medal at national level in the SkillWeld 2010 finals.

The only person selected to represent the UK in welding at Euroskills 2010, the European professions competition with competitors, experts and judges representing 31 countries and 50 vocational skills, Danny competed against five other European welders from Austria, Belgium, France, Norway and Portugal. The competition which this year took place at Lisbon International Fair, 9– 11 December, involved apprentices who were rigorously examined on their capabilities, precision and competence in various vocational fields.

Prior to the European result, Danny recently attended a House of Common’s reception where he and other candidates who had made the UK squad met with John Hayes, the minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.

• Find out more about welding at Alstom