Britain has struck gold in the “skills olympics” with young people from the UK putting in a string of medal-winning performances in a global competition showcasing vocational training.

Apprentices from Britain claimed one gold, three silver and three bronze medals in the WorldSkills event in Abu Dhabi which pits them against peers from around the world.

As well as the seven-medal haul, the 34-strong UK team also claimed 13 medallions of excellence, putting Britain 10th overall in the medal table – ahead of Germany whose apprenticeship scheme is held up as an example of best practice globally.

The event, which saw 1,200 young people from 77 nations competing in 51 disciplines, revealed Britain has the world’s best young beautician, with Kaiya Swain taking gold in the category.