A PROMISING Craven College plasterer has smoothed a path for herself to the national finals of a skills competition for apprentices and students.

Emma Firth will find out if she has won the coveted title at the WorldSkills UK LIVE finals which are taking place from November 21 to 23 at the NEC, Birmingham.

The showcase is the largest skills, apprenticeship and careers event and is free to attend.

Competitions are run in 70 different skills across industries.

They are divided into four areas, each providing a focus on particular industry sectors.

They are construction and infrastructure, health, hospitality and lifestyle; digital, business and creative and engineering and technology.

Emma, from Sough, Barnoldswick, secured her place in the finals after excelling in the national qualifiers which took place in the summer.

She will join over 500 of the UK’s top apprentices and learners who will be competing in the finals with the aim of winning gold, silver and bronze in their chosen skill.

Steve Syers, plastering tutor with Craven College, said of his star pupil: “Emma has been practising well and is ready for the competition.

“We are supporting her every step of the way.”

Designed by industry experts, the WorldSkills UK Competitions equip apprentices and learners with the world-class skills needed to help UK businesses better compete globally.

Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “I wish Emma the best of luck as they compete at WorldSkills UK LIVE.

“At WorldSkills UK we work to accelerate the development of young people’s skills from national to world-class standards.

“We’re creating a new generation of high flyers that give UK employers a competitive edge.”