WorldSkills Winner Receives Tribute Award

Andrew Blair from Doagh, Co. Antrim, has achieved the highest accolade in the world, having been awarded the UK’s only gold medal at the 2005 WorldSkills Olympics in Finland. Mr. Blair was announced as best in the world in his profession of vehicle body repair, having fought off intense competition from the Korean finalist who finished second and the Japanese technician placed third. Andrew, who was the sole UK representative in his field, competed throughout four consecutive days in Helsinki to clinch the gold medal.

Mr. Blair, who competed against a field of around 700 representatives from 40 different countries, also received seventh place overall. “I’m thrilled to have won gold,” said Mr. Blair. “It was great to compete against other countries to see how I compared and I’m overwhelmed with the result.”