A STONEMASON is preparing to chip his way to a world title after being chosen to represent the UK.

Archie Stoke-Faiers, 22, from Uplyme, has been training around the clock after being selected to represent Team UK at the WorldSkills architectural stonemason finals in Abu Dhabi.

Archie, who trains at Weymouth College, underwent an intensive final four-day selection process in Manchester last month.

Archie said: “To say I am pleased is an understatement. This is going to be a massive challenge but I am so proud to represent my country at Abu Dhabi.

"So many hours have been spent preparing for team selection so I am so happy it has all paid off.”

Archie will join the nation’s young skilled women and men who have been selected to go for gold against the rest of the world in Abu Dhabi this October.

The two-year process has ensured competitors win regional heats, a national final, European finals and last month jump the final hurdle reaching the most testing international standards at a team selection showdown. The professionals will continue to undergo a rigorous regime of Olympic-style training in preparation for the intense week of competition.

Dr Neil Bentley, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “This is a critical moment for the future of these inspirational young people – and our economy.

“The WorldSkills finals in Abu Dhabi are more important than international sporting fixtures spurring on competitors to achieve the highest international standards to inspire more and more young people to get into apprenticeships and technical careers, getting them off to the best start in work and life."

He added: “Our ability to produce the right number of skilled, motivated, young people is vital for productivity, competitiveness and economic growth. Skills top the agenda of so many organisations – governments across the UK and the CBI through to the trade unions and education sector.

“Team UK represents the very future success of our economy and what they represent will help determine whether we thrive or fail post Brexit.”

WorldSkills UK, funded and supported by the Department for Education, devolved governments and commercial partners, utilises training techniques usually associated with elite sporting teams, athletes and competitors. WorldSkills finals are held every two years when more than 1,000 competitors from more than 70 countries gather for four days of competition.

This year’s final is seen as an important litmus test as to how well the UK will fare post Brexit with the rest of the world as homegrown skills are seen as becoming ever more important as industry seeks to reduce reliance on workers from the EU.