At an emotional closing ceremony attended by all 900 competitors from the 46 nations that took part, as well as a further 6,000 team supporters and judges, it was announced that the UK had won an amazing three gold and six bronze medals at skills ranging from painting and decorating to floristry and autobody repair. In addition the UK was also awarded 14 Medallions for Excellence given to competitors who achieve at least 500 points, deemed the world class standard.

Team UK were understandably ecstatic about their achievements last night. The Team, who are all under the age of 25 and were chosen throughout the home nations, have each trained hard for this moment over the last eighteen months. Social lives have been put on hold as each individual has perfected their skill to make sure they were at the world class level needed to compete against the best young skilled people in the world. Edge is the Premier Supporter of Squad and Team UK, as part of its commitment to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

As Team UK celebrates success at WorldSkills 2009 in Calgary, Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, has a message for all involved:

"Congratulations to Team UK, who achieved a truly fantastic result at WorldSkills 2009. Their achievements, which include winning three gold medals, is testimony to the breadth and depth of talent in the UK. We at Edge believe there are many talents and many paths to success, and these young people epitomise this.

The excellence they have demonstrated in a very wide range of skills should inspire young people to find out more about the many practical and vocational paths open to them. As the proud Premier Supporter of the UK Alumni, Squad and Team UK, Edge looks forward to backing the UK's future successes, as London moves closer to hosting WorldSkills in 2011".

Visit World Skills UK

Visit UK Skills