A BASINGSTOKE College of Technology engineering student is celebrating after finishing fourth in the finals of the 2014 WorldSkills competition.

Tua Yenwattana, who works for underwater acoustics specialist Sonardyne International, based in Yateley, attends BCoT one day a week to study as part of his apprenticeship.

Last year, the 19-year-old entered the WorldSkills competition, which aims to promote standards and skills across the electrotechnical industry. Competitors undertake a series of practical tests based on real life work, testing their skills and abilities Tua competed against 105 other young engineers and came tenth, qualifying for the finals which were held at the NEC in Birmingham.

The bright apprentice said: “I was so pleased I reached the finals as the competition was really tough. It was great to be competing against other young people who are the best in the field – it bought out my competitive side. It’s also a great thing to put on the CV.”

Tua said he was not nervous going into the finals, adding: “I knew there would be a lot of pressure, but I was prepared. I kept the right attitude and just tried my best.”

Tua beat off stiff competition and was awarded fourth place, only missing out on third place by 0.9 points and finishing only five points behind first place.

He now wants to enter the competition again this year.

“I am going to train harder, really push myself,” said Tua. “I hope to achieve at least a bronze medal – I’m really determined.”