Crroydon College is supporting the event by sending students and lecturers from its plumbing course to take part.
By Nicolas Atkin, Marc Sobbohi, Mel Spencer and Yvonne Suen
Prime Minister David Cameron showed his support for an international trade skills competition at London’s ExCel Centre on Thursday.
WorldSkills London 2011 is a once in a generation event where students and enterprises from all over the world contest to win gold.
It was last held more than 20 years ago.
Cameron said: “This is so inspiring… it’s great that the UK is able to show off the skills and diversity of our young people.
“What they have achieved sets a fantastic example.”
Croydon College is supporting the event by sending students and lecturers from its plumbing course to take part.
They are hosting a challenge in the Have A Go section where budding plumbers can try their hand at building and testing a push-fit plumbing system.
The exhibition offers the world’s most skilled plumbers, electricians and builders a chance to show off their ability in front of expert panels and aspiring young traders from across the world.
WorldSkills also champions a diverse range of competitors – so far there has been an ‘omelette challenge’ and an opportunity to build the world’s largest rocking horse.
Investors and supporters of apprenticeship schemes have offered a great deal of assistance, both financial and otherwise – more than 150 sponsors and suppliers are integral to the success of the competition.
Ambassadors of the event include Dragon’s Den judges Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden, as well as stars from The Apprentice.
The contest gives young traders a platform to showcase their skills in front of hundreds of potential employers.
The event has a Make It Happen exhibition which provides visitors with the chance to talk to potential employers about job opportunities.
Organisers are expecting more than 150,000 visitors from across the UK to come and watch competitors from a range of 51 countries and regions hoping to inspire those in attendance.
Government scheme ‘Apprenticeships’ tweeted: “It’s fantastic to see so much interest.”
A WorldSkills spokesperson said: “It’s definitely something to inspire young people and something for them to aspire to.
“When they come down and see the level of precision and the procedure of the competition we want them to aspire to that level themselves and open their eyes to the careers that are out there.”
The event runs from 5-8 October.
For more information call WorldSkills London 2011 on 08454752011 or visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com.
