Nine young apprentices from Northern Ireland are set to take on the world at WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.

WorldSkills is the world's largest international vocational skills competition which takes place from 3-6 July 2013 in Leipzig, Germany. The nine local competitors on Team UK will take part in four days of intense competition against 1,000 of the very best young skilled people from 53 member countries/ regions.

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Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry, wishing them every success at the competition, said: "Northern Ireland's representation on Squad UK is the highest of any region in the UK. This is testament to the high standard of vocational training in our colleges and training organisations and to the commitment to excellence shown by our young people."

The nine local apprentices are part of the 34 strong Team UK which will compete in 30 skill areas in front of around 200,000 visitors to the event. Northern Ireland's nine competitors will compete in the skills of: wall and floor tiling, plastering and dry wall systems, joinery, carpentry, landscape gardening, autobody repair, car painting and mechatronics.

(CD/JP)