Two years after gaining his GCSEs at 16 and completing a BTec qualification, Jack McCarthy is studying for an HNC qualification at MGTS Coventry Academy, while gaining industry experience as an apprentice at DMG Mori’s UK head office in Coventry.

Chris Cooper, head of engineering at DMG Mori UK and previous technical expert for the World Skills event, encouraged Mr McCarthy to enter the national World Skills UK finals at the NEC in November 2017.

After winning the silver medal in the CNC Turning discipline, Mr McCarthy was chosen to join Team UK 2019 for the international World Skills finals (due to be held in Kazan, Russia, in August); this event will see 1,600 young participants from 60 countries compete against each other in 56 disciplines.

DMG Mori (www.uk.dmgmori.com) is a Global Industry Partner of World Skills International; it is supplying 46 machines to Russia for use during the competition.

The company also makes its Coventry facilities available for milling and turning team training.

Competitors will be using the CTX310 turning centre, which features three axes and a driven-tool capability.

The competition is held over four days, and Mr McCarthy will work to a set brief, competing in one module each day.

The competitors will be assessed on core competencies, using inspection equipment, mirroring industry best practice, and demonstrating their abilities in producing components used in engineering and manufacturing.

They will also be using Mastercam CAD/CAM software to prepare their CNC programs.

Steve Finn, managing director of DMG Mori UK, said: “We are investing in Jack McCarthy’s education, skills and productivity, enabling him to bring new knowledge and experience back to the company, following the World Skills event.

“His success will demonstrate that young people in our industry have a lot to contribute in terms of knowledge and skill, which will be an inspiration to other young people, showing them what can be achieved.

“For companies within the industry, it demonstrates the benefits of training and apprenticeships — and the value that new talent can bring to advanced manufacturing.”