The final, which took place at the Skills Show last November, saw more than 700 of the UK’s most talented apprentices, employees and college learners battle it out in 70 categories including forensic science, mobile robotics, welding, reflexology and floristry.

Kirsty Hoadley, aged 23, who triumphed at visual merchandising in World Skills in 2011, spoke to this year’s winners at the event. She said: “This is just the beginning for you — there is so much more to do and I’m sure most if not all of you will go onto have an outstanding career off the back of this experience.”

Eleanor Bartley, 20, from North Hertfordshire College, who won gold in reflexology last year, said: “I would definitely recommend others to go in for WorldSkills. I was very nervous at first while competing, but you then zone into what you’re doing and it’s good fun.”