Several hundred vocational trade students around the world gathered in London Oct. 3-8 to put their skills to the test against international standards and rigorous judging at the 60th WorldSkills International Competition. Every two years, hundreds of young skilled people, accompanied by their teachers and trainers, gather to compete before the public in the skills of their various trades, representing the best of their peers drawn from regional and national skill competitions held currently in 52 countries/regions. In attendance this year were U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and royal family representation by Princess Anne, among other notable guests.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes served as the exclusive paint sponsor of the event, providing a variety of coating products to students competing in the “Car Painting” category. Dong Cheo of Korea, sponsored by Hyundai, took home the gold in this extensive competition. Other victors included silver winner Kye Szeniak of Australia and bronze winners Aaron Hebb of Canada, Fredrik Røed Meek of Norway, Erik Groth of Sweden and Ben Eaton of the United Kingdom.
As the single paint supplier and sponsor, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes supplied the following coating products for the competitors’ use:
• Speed P30 SpectraPrime color primer surfacer system with SR15 speed reducers. The product dries in 15 minutes at 70°F.
• AWX Waterborne Basecoat system, a waterborne basecoat/clearcoat system that uses a proprietary resin system that behaves like the solvent borne systems, yet meets strict VOC-emissions limits.
• HPC 15 Air-Dry Clearcoat, which also dries in 15 minutes at 75°F and allows for an energy-saving, no-heat solution to paint and repairs.
“WorldSkills International is a phenomenal event that allows vocational students to showcase their amazing talents, and also provides the public a look into the world of skilled trades,” says Craig H. Williams, director of Global Vehicle Refinish, OEM and Services for Sherwin-Williams Automotive. “The intensity and talent of the field of competitors in the Car Painting category was incredible to witness. Each is a winner in our eyes. We are proud to have been involved in this year’s competition.”
More information:
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes
