Twenty-six young Brits have shown their talents at the skills equivalent of the Olympics – the WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Canada.

The team – who were up against 900 competitors from 46 nations – won an impressive three gold and six bronze medals in skills ranging from painting and decorating to floristry and autobody repair. The UK also won 14 Medallions of Excellence – awards given to competitors who achieve more than the world-class standard of 500 points.

Mark Nevin, 22, (pictured) who won a gold medal and Best of Nation for painting and decorating, said: “This is the most fantastic feeling. I really do feel on top of the world!

“The last year has been absolutely brilliant. To have been given the chance to learn what I’m capable of, to train with some of the best in the industry and to be part of such a great team has been unbelievable.”

Simon Bartley, chief executive of UK Skills which manages Team UK, said: “It’s a tremendous result not just for the competitors, but for their employers, trainers and colleges. We hope to build on this success as we move towards the next WorldSkills Competition, which London will be hosting, where we hope to do even better.”

Skills Minister Kevin Brennan said: “These inspiring young people have demonstrated to the rest of the world just how able and highly skilled the UK is.

“The world-class skills this team have demonstrated are vital to the future success of our economy in key industries such as construction, manufacturing and engineering. It’s more important than ever that we continue to support and invest in the skills of our workforce, helping individuals get into and stay on at work as well as helping businesses stay competitive and prepare for the upturn.”

Read more and see the full list of winners on the UK Skills website.

UK Skills is a not-for-profit organisation and a BIS delivery partner.