The UK recently won the bid to host the 2011 WorldSkills in London. City & Guilds was a member of the successful bid team and has made a commitment to be a key, £1 million sponsorship partner.

This event  allows an opportunity for all the member countries to come together and show each other what their young people are capable of in over 40 different trades.

This is the Olympics of the vocational qualifications world country against country compete to show off the cream of their talent. To find out more visit the WorldSkills website.

Who won the bid to host the World skills competition? Find out more

What is WorldSkills?

For the last 50 years WorldSkills (previously known as the Skills Olympics) has represented the ultimate in excellence in vocational training.

Every two years, hundreds of highly skilled young people from across the world, gather together to compete in skills competitions.

They test their knowledge and ability in a wide variety of trades and specialisms - from mechatronics and web design to floristry and jewellery, plumbing and bricklaying to hairdressing and confectionery.

Competitors battle against the clock, and in front of a live audience, to tackle challenges that would be frequently found in the workplace.

The scale of the event is unrivalled and spectators include policy makers, government representatives, employers, teachers, trainers and experts from around the globe.

To find out more visit the Worldskills website.

Who can take part?

Competitors must be 22 years old or under and either a student, trainee or employee.

They represent the best of the best, drawn from skills competitions held in over 45 countries in every corner of the world – from Belgium and Ireland to Brazil and Venezuela, Tunisia and South Africa to Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.

Skills competitions are often held regionally, with the winners going through to national finals.

Over 60 regional events take place in the UK and ceremonies - at which gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded - celebrate the success of competitors as well as the support of their tutors, colleges, training providers and employers.

For competitors, taking part in WorldSkills represents a unique and invaluable learning experience. Many go on to excel in their chosen careers and promote excellence in vocational education and training.

Providing support

City & Guilds is a proud supporter of WorldSkills. We have already committed £1 million in sponsorship to support WorldSkills London in 2011 and have given our complete backing to the team representing the UK at WorldSkills 2007 in Japan.

Chris Humphries, City & Guilds Director General, says of WorldSkills:

‘For too long the vocational route has been seen as inferior to academic studies, but succeeding in the skills sector takes just as much dedication, determination and hard work. Participating in WorldSkills drives forward individuals’ aspirations, provides them with a way to benchmark their skills and to recognise their achievements.’