Record high Welsh contingent ready to shine at WorldSkills UK

The Skills Show, being held at Birmingham’s NEC Arena, is the setting for this year’s WorldSkills national finals. Wales’ contingent of 82 out of the total 650 competitors is by far the highest regional representation, and an increase on last year’s figure of 67 when Welsh entrants earned a total of 39 medals: 2 gold; 12 silver; 12 bronze; and 13 medallions of excellence.

The majority of this year’s finalists have progressed through local and regional skills competitions. Plumbers, cooks, web designers, electricians, florists and hairdressers, among others, will test themselves against tough standards during 20 hours of competition in 40 skills.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James will join an estimated 75,000 people who are expected to visit the Skills Show over the next three days. The event aims to inspire and transform young people’s lives through a series of interactive activities and workshops, changing the way we think about skills, training and apprenticeships.

Wales will be well represented at the Skills Show with its presence being led by the Welsh Government in partnership with CollegesWales and the National Training Federation for Wales. This partnership approach ensures that all Further Education and work-based learning provision within Wales will be showcased on one stand and in one location.

Several organisations from across Wales have been chosen to run ‘try it’ activities on the Wales stand. These include Coleg Sir Gar, who will invite teams to compete to change a wheel in a Formula 1-style pit stop challenge, and ACT Training where individuals can try their hand at creating roses out of icing sugar.

The Deputy Minister said:

“I’m really looking forward to visiting this year’s Skills Show and in particular, to lend my support to the competitors from Wales participating in the WorldSkills UK final.

“Once again Wales is punching well above its weight in terms of its representation in the competition. I am sure our finalists will impress judges and onlookers alike with their flair and ability, although I have to say the Welsh contingent at last year’s WorldSkills UK finals have set the bar extremely high.

“I know that there are many thousands of highly skilled individuals across Wales who are playing their part in ensuring we have a workforce fit for the 21st century.  I am looking forward to meeting competitors and exhibitors at the Skills Show and showing off to a UK audience the wide range of skills and talent that our young people have to offer businesses across the UK.”

More information on the Skills Show can be found at the following link: http://www.findafuture.org.uk/the-skills-show