A TRIP to Russia is in the mix for a Holyhead plastering student.

Coleg Menai student Matt Low recently won the title 'Apprentice of the Year.'

But now, Matt is undertaking an intensive training session and hopes to be selected for the WorldSkills squad, which will travel to Kazan, in Russia, next summer, to represent the UK.

For the next five weeks, Matt and Northern Ireland competitor Curtis Johnson will hone their skills under the eye of UK WorldSkills training manager David Kehoe.

Every two years WorldSkills hosts the world championships of skills that attracts more than 1,300 competitors from more than 70 countries.

Young people, from all corners of the globe, gather for the chance to win a prestigious medal in their chosen skill.

There are competitions in over 50 skills across a wide range of industries from joinery to floristry; hairdressing to electronics; and auto body repair to bakery.

The competitors represent the best of their peers and are selected from skills competitions that are held in WorldSkills member countries and regions.

A plasterer by trade, Matt is employed by M J Hughes Fireplaces and Stoves and was awarded overall ‘Apprentice of The Year’ last month for being selected to compete for a place on the UK squad.

Competition is fierce, but both Matt and Curtis are enjoying the experience, and have become firm friends.

Speaking during training, Matt said: “This is a fantastic experience, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I’m really lucky - my tutor Mike Gashe and the whole plastering team here at the college have been so supportive, and now I also have the expert tuition of Dave Kehoe for five weeks. It’s been great working side-by-side with Curtis too, and I’m sure we’ll stay in touch, whatever happens next year!”

Plastering lecturer Mike Gashe added: “Matt has had an amazing year, and he has worked extremely hard to get where he is. His commitment and talent has always been outstanding, and the plastering team are all extremely proud of him here at Coleg Menai. We wish him the very best in the competition for a place at the WorldSkills competition next year.”