A TEENAGER from Crewe has been recognised as one of the country's top vocational students after securing a place in the final of a prestigious competition.

South Cheshire College student Matt Evans, 18, has secured a place in the national finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions.

Competing in the Culinary Arts competition as part of the Hospitality and Lifestyle sector, Matt Evans wowed the judges on his way to becoming a finalist.

Matt said: “It has been great to be part of this competition - its great experience and a good platform to gain exposure within the industry and get your name out there.

“Taking part has definitely helped with my technique and confidence, as it really is a pressurised environment. I’m now gearing up for the finals.”

WorldSkills competitions are designed by experts to be highly competitive, assessing numerous abilities, including practical skills, knowledge and employability against a set of strict criteria.

The competition is designed to encourage, inspire ambition, push for excellence and equip entrants with world-class skills.

Having fought through the national qualifiers, completing months of intensive training, Matt is in the top 500 skilled young apprentices and students to have made it through to the final showdown in front of 70,000 spectators at The Skills Show in November.

Mark Parsons, director of faculty - retail, commercial, engineering and the built environment, is delighted with the achievement of both Matt and Penny-Jane Prior, a 17-year-old student at the affiliated West Cheshire College, who is also in the final.

He added: “We’re really proud of Penny-Jane and Matt and their achievement within this competition. They are both very determined individuals and have put a lot of hard work into preparing for this event.

“Their dedication is really paying off and I’m sure they’ll both go on to make us proud at The Skills Show later this year.”