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Empey urges registration to WorldSkills extravaganza

4 March 2009

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today encouraged individuals to enter skills competitions to qualify for WorldSkills 2011 before the closing date of 9 April 2009.  

WorldSkills, the world’s greatest skills showcase event, is to be staged for the first time in London in 2011.  Held every two years, WorldSkills involves over 850 of the best young professionals from trades, service and vocational programmes from around the world who gather to showcase their talents and abilities in a competitive setting.

The Minister said:  “I want to encourage as many Northern Ireland competitors as possible to register with WorldSkills UK before 9 April 2009, for the chance to take part in skills competitions that could see them represent the UK at WorldSkills 2011.  Northern Ireland has an enviable record in WorldSkills competitions.  In recent years we have had a gold and a bronze medallist, and I want to see our medal count rise in 2011.”

Sir Reg added: “Raising the skills level is of fundamental importance to the local economy and as we develop our skills base we hope to reap the rewards by promoting skills excellence in such competitions such as WorldSkills.”

To register for WorldSkills UK 2009 competitions by the closing date 9 April 2009, visit www.worldskillsuk.org/competitions to find out what competitions are available.  

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. WorldSkills is the largest skills competition in the world and takes place every two years in one of the 50 host member nations.  Competitions are held in over 40 skill areas, including autobody repair, beauty therapy and refrigeration.  
  2. The UK is hosting WorldSkills in London between 6 and 9 October 2011.  The competition will take place at the Excel Exhibition and Conference Centre.
  3. The UK’s WorldSkills team is managed by UK Skills working in partnership with the Department for Employment and Learning, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government, and key partners from education, government and industry.  For more information on WorldSkills UK competitions go to www.worldskillsuk.org.
  4. The next WorldSkills competition is taking place in Calgary from 1 – 6 September 2009.  Two competitors from Northern Ireland have been selected for the UK Squad and are now competing to be part of the UK Team.
  5. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 90 257872.  Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076997 15440, and your call will be returned.