22 year old Richard Sagar from Langholm secured gold at the recent WorldSkills finals in Calgary, competing against some of the world’s most talented young individuals in the electrical instalment industry.
Richard, who attended Langholm Academy until he was 16 years old, wanted to pursue a career which was practical, allowed him to meet new people and made sure that he was always out and about.
Richard Sagar
Upon returning from three months travelling in New Zealand, Richard secured a position as an apprentice with Eden Electric. This was a great chance for Richard to combine his interest in science and maths and develop a career providing him with long term stability.
Whilst carrying out his apprenticeship Richard also worked hard to develop his skills further by studying for his SVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installations at Dumfries and Galloway College. His tutor recognised that he was a talented and skilled individual and in order to develop his ability further Richard was encouraged to enter a number of skills competitions.
His success at both the West of Scotland and Scottish finals took him to the WorldSkills UK 2008 competition, held in London, which sees young people from vocational occupations and education test their skills against each other. Although he was up against some fierce competition from throughout the UK, Richard worked hard to take first place. This then allowed him to progress to compete at the WorldSkills 2009 competition in Calgary, held earlier this year.
Richard said: “Securing a place in the WorldSkills 2009 finals was a huge achievement. However to take home gold was one of the greatest moments in my life. Receiving my medal was a very special moment and a huge honour as I was up against some really talented people.
“Although I knew the competition would be high I was focused and determined to succeed and my training certainly paid off.
“As well as helping to develop the skills which I apply everyday with Eden Electrics the competition has also helped to boost my confidence personally. My employer has provided me so much support and I hope that over the next five years I will be able to progress up the career ladder and eventually take on a senior management position.
“I also hope to be able to help and train those who are planning to take part in WorldSkills 2011. By providing them with an insight into my experiences, hopefully my knowledge will help them to win medals too.”
John Shephard, contract director at Dumfries and Galloway College said: “Like many young people whom I have the opportunity to work alongside at Dumfries and Galloway College, I recognised from an early stage that Richard had the talent and determination to excel in his chosen profession. It is essential that those who have the potential are encouraged from an early stage to develop these skills. We want to make sure they make the most of their talent and they have the support to do this.
“Skills competitions are a great way for our students to showcase their abilities. It also gives them the chance to see what others are capable of and recognise what they need to improve in order to reach the top of their sector.”
