WorldSkills London 2011, which takes place at ExCeL from 5-8 October 2011, will be the world’s largest international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the ‘best of the best’. At the competition, 1000 competitors from over 50 countries will compete in 46 skill areas over four exciting days. The event will also offer visitors impartial advice and guidance on careers and apprenticeships. At WorldSkills London 2011, the UK will compete in 37 skills ranging from Mobile Robotics, Electrical Installations and Graphic Design to Cooking, Hairdressing and Landscape Gardening.
Representing the UK in the hospitality skills are:
Representing the UK in Cooking: Ben Murphy, 20, from London who works at Koffman’s
Representing the UK in Restaurant Service: Wojciech Pastor, 20, from Auchterarder, Perthsire, who works at The Gleneagles Hotel
Representing the UK in Confectionery/Pastry: Stefan Howells, 21, from Oxford, who works at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
Skills Minister John Hayes said: "Those representing the UK at WorldSkills will play a hugely important role in bringing the value of vocational skills and practical learning to national attention. I offer my warm support and congratulations to every member of the team.
“To support the ambitions of young people everywhere in our country, we have created a record number of apprenticeships, and we are building the best skills training system we’ve ever had."
During WorldSkills London 2011, the young competitors will compete against the best from all over the world and they will be judged on their level of skill, accuracy and speed in completing projects. From now until WorldSkills London 2011 in October, each competitor will be in training supported by a dedicated Training Manager. Their training will focus on preparing them for the WorldSkills environment by acclimatising them to working under time pressure and in competitive conditions.
Ben said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills London 2011. I hope this opportunity will allow me to showcase how vocational learning can lead to successful employment and career opportunities. I know the next few months will be tough as I will be in training for the event and I really hope the whole of the country gets behind Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011 like they do our sporting teams!”
The members of Team UK have been and will continue to be supported in their training by Edge, the independent education foundation, the Premier Supporter of Squad and Team UK and Brathay Trust, the Premier Training and Development Partner of Squad and Team UK. The Worshipful Company of Cooks also sponsors Team UK in Cooking.
For a full list of Team UK members visit www.worldskillsteamuk.org
