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.
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, an
innovative 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 – 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.”
For more information on Sherwin-Williams Automotive
Finishes products, visit www.shgerwin-
automotive.com or call 1-800-SWULTRA (1-800-798
-5872).
