2nd December 2025
17-year-old Harvey McLaughlin has been awarded GOLD at the WorldSkills UK Finals.
Engineering T-Level student Harvey McLaughlin secured the top prize in the Additive Manufacturing category.
Additive manufacturing, often known as 3D printing, is an advanced engineering process that creates parts and products by building them layer by layer from digital designs. It allows for highly precise, efficient, and innovative production, and is transforming industries from aerospace to healthcare.
This remarkable achievement showcases Harvey’s exceptional technical talent, determination and professionalism at one of the UK’s most prestigious skills competitions. The WorldSkills UK Finals bring together the top young Apprentices, students and trainees from across the country, competing in rigorous, industry-designed challenges that mirror real workplace demands. Winning gold places Harvey among the highest-performing young engineers in the nation.
Throughout the competition, Harvey demonstrated outstanding focus under pressure and impressed judges with his ability to apply cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to real-world engineering challenges. As part of the Finals, he produced a holder for a broom, with the challenge that you couldn’t touch the holder when you tried to attach the broom to it; he also made a suction cup which was to hold a cylinder that weighs 100 grams, showcasing creativity, technical accuracy and excellent problem-solving skills.
Harvey said: "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. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my tutors and family, and this gold medal motivates me to keep developing my skills in engineering."
Cendan Cevizli, Curriculum Manager of Engineering, commented: "Harvey’s achievement is a fantastic example of talent, dedication, and professionalism. He has represented Barking & Dagenham College with distinction, and we are thrilled to celebrate his success. His hard work and focus have truly paid off, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next."
Harvey’s proud mum, dad and sister joined Harvey for a celebratory meeting with the college Principal Natalie Davison and other staff, his dad Terry McLaughlin said: “Amazing WorldSkills competition fantastic ceremony culminating in Harvey winning the GOLD medal. Cendan Cevizli and Barking & Dagenham College, thank you for all the support. Onwards and upwards. Major step for a great future for Harvey.”
Harvey got to hone his skills in the College's state-of-the-art engineering facilities; his achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Barking & Dagenham College, demonstrating the strength of its engineering provision and the ambition of its students.
