A FLORIST from Evesham will get the chance to show off her skills in Shanghai later this year.

Hannah Beckley, 21, will go up against rivals from more than 80 countries at the ‘Skills Olympics’ in a bid to be crowned the world’s best.

Hannah, who works for Louise’s Florist on the high street, is part of a 39-strong UK team heading to China in October for the WorldSkills Competition.

She said: “I was so shocked to be selected for Team UK, but totally over the moon.

“If you had told me this time last year that I’d be going to Shanghai to the Skills Olympics I wouldn’t have believed you.

“I can’t wait to get out there to compete against the world’s best and give it my all.”

The competition takes place from October 13 to 16 and team UK will be hoping to climb back into the global top ten after a 12th placed finish at the 2019 event, held in Kazan, Russia.

Hannah has already been successful in regional and national competitions and has been training for the 46th global skills finals since January 2020.

The international competition normally involves a two-year programme of preparation, but Covid forced the Shanghai finals to be pushed back a year, having originally been scheduled for 2021.

MP Alex Burghart, minister for skills, said: “I am delighted that these remarkable young people will soon be showcasing their talents and skills on the global stage – they should be so proud of their achievements to date and I look forward to cheering them on when they go for gold in Shanghai.

“WorldSkills UK is doing brilliant work promoting technical education and apprenticeships as prestigious career routes for young people, and their competitions offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase our world-class skills talent.”

WorldSkills UK deputy CEO Ben Blackledge added: “After the delays and difficulties of the past couple of years, we should all be proud of the skill and determination these young professionals have shown to get out there and fly the flag for the UK. They represent the very best in their field, but will have to be at the top of their game competing against their peers from across the globe. 

“The event is a real opportunity to raise the profile and prestige of UK skills and is a life-changing opportunity for all involved. We are not only giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential but we also believe that, working with them and their trainers, we can transfer the insights gained from competing against other countries to drive up standards at home and boost the economy.”