A RETAIL management student from Kilbirnie has been chosen to represent Team UK at the world’s most prestigious skills competition.

Konnar Doyle, 20, has been selected to compete in the visual merchandising category at the World Skills 2019 competition in Kazan, Russia.

The former St Matthew’s Academy pupil took first place across the United Kingdom in qualifying to earn a spot in Team UK for the global competition.

To make the team, Konnar trained four days a week for several months and worked closely with lecturers and staff to hone his skills.

As part of his training and HND Retail Management studies, City of Glasgow College supported Konnar to travel to London to gain inspiration from the extensive range of shop fronts in the capital.

In Kazan, Konnar will have to utilise skills gained on his course, including design, photoshop, and vinyl application, to create shop displays based on an unknown theme and using surprise props.

Commenting, Konnar said: “I’m delighted to have been selected to be part of Team UK at WorldSkills in Russia.

“All of us in the team have worked and trained really hard and being told we’re going to represented our country at this level makes it all worth it.

“The support I’ve received from City of Glasgow College has been brilliant.

“I’ve received tutoring from my lecturer, as well as other help from the college, and I’m really grateful for all of it.

“I can’t wait to get out to Kazan for the competition - I’m going to give it my all.”

The competition runs between August 22-27 2019.