The four-day competition highlights the talents of apprentices from across the globe in a variety of industries using traditional skills such as jewellery and auto body repair to non-traditional skills such as graphic design and IT.

Simon, who lives in Billingham, said: “I am so pleased to have been afforded this opportunity to represent the UK in my chosen skill – it was a great experience.

“I was amazed at the range of skills on show and just how good those involved were. I’m thrilled to come home with a medal.

“It was hard work though and a very personal journey of self-discovery but with all the support I have received from the teams at Simon Bailes Peugeot and UK Skills, my skills have never been stronger.”

Simon acted as a true ambassador for the region, being kitted out in branded “Passionate about skills” and North East England T-shirts, and handing out regional gifts to the other competitors as well as the organisers.

He added: “I am particularly proud to have been an ambassador for the North East, supporting and promoting the “Passionate people. Passionate places” campaign and helping to raise the profile of our region across the world. It was a great honour and something I really enjoyed.”

Simon’s skills have already been widely recognised and he has been named Young Panel Technician of the Year in the Bodyshop Magazine Industry Awards for an unprecedented two years in a row.

He works at the Simon Bailes Accident Repair Centre in Northallerton and Managing Director of Simon Bailes Peugeot, Simon Bailes, said: “I am a passionate longstanding supporter of the North East and of course the Regional Image campaign which promotes the region and our wonderful heritage, services and people to the outside world.

“I am also intensely proud of our home grown talent so it has been a privilege for me to be able to support Simon on his journey toward the World Skills Olympics in Japan. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Simon to represent the North East at a world class event and it was great to see him rise to the challenge and win a medal.

“As part of our company values I have made a commitment to support the development of young people within our community. I have always recognised as an employer my responsibility to commit support and invest resources in the development of our staff, so it is a fantastic reward to see people like Simon embracing the opportunities available to them and receiving recognition for the skills they have attained.”

The Regional Image campaign is led by One NorthEast and Stacy Hall Director of Communications & Tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is a well known fact that the region is full of talented, skilled people and one of the aims of the campaign is to make sure we spread this message far a field.

“It is fantastic to see someone from North East England doing so well and I think Simon Noble makes an excellent role model for other youngsters in the region.

“Highly skilled people are crucial in promoting the region as an excellent place to live, work, study, do business and visit.”