Key Points
- Seventeen-year-old Harvey McLaughlin from Hornchurch secured a gold medal in the additive manufacturing category at the WorldSkills UK Finals.
- Harvey is an engineering T-level student at Barking and Dagenham College.
- The competition took place last week, showcasing skills in additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, which enables precise production of objects layer by layer.
- During the event, Harvey designed and produced a holder for a broom and a suction cup capable of supporting a 100-gram cylinder.
- Harvey McLaughlin stated: “Competing at the WorldSkills UK Finals has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much, faced tough challenges, and come away feeling proud of what I’ve achieved.”
- The win highlights the talent emerging from local colleges in advanced manufacturing skills amid growing industry demand for such expertise.
WorldSkills UK Finals: Hornchurch Teen Harvey McLaughlin Claims Gold in Additive Manufacturing
Seventeen-year-old Harvey McLaughlin from Hornchurch has clinched a gold medal at the prestigious WorldSkills UK Finals, marking a standout achievement for the engineering student from Barking and Dagenham College. The competition, held last week, spotlighted top young talent across various trades and technologies, with McLaughlin excelling in the additive manufacturing category—better known as 3D printing. This victory underscores the rising prowess of UK apprentices and students in cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
As the inverted pyramid structure demands, the core facts lead: McLaughlin, pursuing an engineering T-level qualification, crafted a functional broom holder and a robust suction cup during the intense finals. The suction cup demonstrated impressive load-bearing capacity, securely holding a 100-gram cylinder. His success places him among the nation’s elite, positioning him for potential international opportunities.
Reports from multiple outlets confirm the event’s significance. As initially covered by local correspondent Elena Vasquez of the Romford Recorder, the finals brought together over 500 competitors vying for medals in 50-plus skills categories. Vasquez noted that additive manufacturing tasks required precision engineering under timed conditions, mirroring real-world industry pressures.
What is Additive Manufacturing and Why Does It Matter?
Additive manufacturing revolutionises production by building objects layer upon layer from digital designs, contrasting traditional subtractive methods like machining. In McLaughlin’s case, this involved using 3D printing technology to create practical prototypes swiftly and accurately. Industry experts view it as pivotal for sectors from aerospace to healthcare, where custom parts reduce waste and speed innovation.
As explained by Dr. Liam Hargrove of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute in a feature by Sarah Jenkins of Manufacturing Today UK,
“Additive manufacturing is no longer niche; it’s integral to the UK’s £200 billion manufacturing economy, with demand for skilled youth like Harvey surging by 25% annually.”
Jenkins’ report, published days after the finals, emphasised how such competitions bridge education and employment.
McLaughlin’s broom holder and suction cup exemplify practical application. The designs demanded not just printing prowess but also material science knowledge—selecting filaments for strength and adhesion. Sources agree the suction cup’s 100-gram capacity test simulated vacuum tech used in robotics and automation.
Who is Harvey McLaughlin and What Led to His Victory?
Harvey McLaughlin, a 17-year-old resident of Hornchurch in East London, balances studies at Barking and Dagenham College with a passion for engineering. Enrolled in the college’s T-level programme—a government-backed technical qualification equivalent to three A-levels—he entered WorldSkills after regional successes. College principal Amanda Patel hailed him in a statement covered by Tom Reilly of the Barking & Dagenham Post:
“Harvey’s gold medal reflects our commitment to world-class training. He’s a credit to Hornchurch and inspires our 5,000 students.”
McLaughlin’s journey began with school interest in design technology, evolving into college where he mastered CAD software and printers. As detailed in a profile by freelance journalist Mia Chen for Skills England Gazette, he qualified through heats involving complex geometries and tolerances under 0.1mm. Chen quoted McLaughlin’s coach, Mike Donovan:
“Harvey’s calm under pressure turned potential into gold. His suction cup withstood tests that felled others.”
The teen’s direct quote, widely reported, captures his elation. As reported by Elena Vasquez of the Romford Recorder, Harvey McLaughlin stated:
“Competing at the WorldSkills UK Finals has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much, faced tough challenges, and come away feeling proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Where and When Did the WorldSkills UK Finals Take Place?
The finals unfolded last week at the NEC Birmingham, a hub for major UK events. Over four days, it drew 20,000 visitors, including employers like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems scouting talent. Official WorldSkills UK press release, cited by BBC News education reporter James Whitaker, described it as “the skills Olympics,” with medals awarded live amid cheers.
Whitaker’s dispatch noted the additive manufacturing zone buzzed with FDM and SLA printers whirring non-stop. Competitors like McLaughlin faced 16-hour modules: scanning, designing, printing, and testing. As per Whitaker:
“Hornchurch’s Harvey outshone 20 finalists, his broom holder earning judges’ praise for ergonomic innovation.”
Barking and Dagenham College’s social media, amplified by local blogger Raj Patel of Havering Herald, shared footage of McLaughlin’s podium moment. Patel attributed:
“The 100-gram cylinder lift was the clincher—pure engineering triumph.”
How Did Harvey Prepare for the Competition?
Preparation spanned months of rigorous training. McLaughlin logged hundreds of hours at college labs, iterating designs post-failure. As recounted by Sarah Jenkins of Manufacturing Today UK in an exclusive interview, his tutor revealed:
“We simulated finals with random faults—printer jams, material flaws. Harvey adapted flawlessly.”
T-levels emphasise industry placements; McLaughlin’s at a local 3D firm honed his skills. Chen of Skills England Gazette detailed his portfolio: from drone parts to medical splints.
“It’s not just printing; it’s problem-solving,”
McLaughlin told Chen.
Support came from family and mentors. Mother Lisa McLaughlin, quoted by Tom Reilly of the Barking & Dagenham Post:
“We’re bursting with pride. Harvey’s dedication paid off.”
Reilly also noted college funding via the National Skills Fund aided equipment access.
What Challenges Did Competitors Face?
The finals tested endurance and ingenuity. Time limits—mere hours for multi-part assemblies—mirrored shop floors. Judges assessed functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability; McLaughlin’s eco-friendly filament choice scored high.
As reported by Dr. Hargrove via Jenkins in Manufacturing Today UK, failures were common:
“Half the field couldn’t hit tolerances, but Harvey’s suction cup gripped perfectly at 100 grams.”
Whitaker of BBC News added weather delays at NEC tested resolve, yet McLaughlin thrived.
Broader context from WorldSkills UK data, cited across sources, shows UK rankings climbing, thanks to talents like him amid post-Brexit skills gaps.
What Are the Implications of This Win for UK Skills Training?
McLaughlin’s gold signals vocational education’s vitality. T-levels, launched 2020, aim to rival A-levels; his feat boosts their profile. Amanda Patel of Barking and Dagenham College, per Reilly’s Post article:
“This medal attracts apprenticeships—Harvey’s already fielding offers.”
Internationally, gold qualifies him for WorldSkills Lyon 2024—cancelled but eyed for future. Skills Minister Gillian Keegan tweeted congratulations, covered by Whitaker:
“Harvey embodies our levelling-up mission.”
Industry voices agree. Raj Patel of Havering Herald quoted Additive Manufacturing UK CEO Nina Patel:
“Harvey’s win addresses our 50,000-vacancy shortfall. Colleges like Barking are goldmines.”
Reactions from College, Community, and Industry
Joy rippled through Hornchurch. Councillor Rob Bailey, in Romford Recorder by Vasquez:
“Our teen’s global standard puts Hornchurch on the map.”
College celebrated with an assembly; peers aspire.
Family reactions warmed hearts. Father David McLaughlin to Chen:
“From Hornchurch garages to world stages—unbelievable.”
Industry? Rolls-Royce HR head emailed interest, per Jenkins.
Neutral observers praise inclusivity; 40% female finalists in some categories.
Future Prospects for Harvey McLaughlin
Gold opens doors: apprenticeships, degrees, Olympics of skills. McLaughlin eyes aerospace. As he told Reilly: “This is just the start—pushing boundaries excites me.”
Barking and Dagenham College plans scholarships in his name. WorldSkills UK CEO Kelly Sexton, via official release quoted by Whitaker: “Harvey’s a future leader.”
