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Sir Reg begins Canadian visit at skills Olympics

1 September 2009

Skills Minister, Sir Reg Empey, will today take his place beside the other UK Skills Ministers at the WorldSkills competition in Calgary to cheer on Team UK.

Sir Reg will be spending three days at the competition before visiting Bombardier in Montreal as part of his North American trip.

The WorldSkills competition, which runs from 2 – 5 September, is the biggest international skills competition in the world.  It involves around 900 competitors, aged 22 years old or under, from 51 countries taking part in 40 official skill categories.  

The Minister said: “My visit to Canada will allow me to focus on skills excellence and the importance of upskilling both for individuals and employers.  Here in Calgary I will see world class skills being demonstrated in a global arena and in Montreal I hope to discuss the emphasis that Bombardier places on skills development both in Belfast and Canada.

“During my visit, I am holding a meeting with other UK Ministers about the 41st WorldSkills competition, which will be held in London in 2011.  Amongst other agenda items we will consider how we can maximise the economic benefits it will undoubtedly bring, both in terms of skills development and number of spectators.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The WorldSkills Competition is the biggest skills competition in the world and is held every two years in one of its member countries.  It sets world class standards in over 40 skill categories, ranging from cabinet making to web design.
  2. Over four days of tough competition, young people drawn now from 52 member nations test themselves against tough international standards. The ultimate prizes are gold, silver and bronze medals.
  3. Trevor Woods, a 20 year old joinery apprentice from Lack, Co. Fermanagh, has won a place on Team UK.  Trevor is an apprentice at South West Regional College and is employed by McAleer and Teague, Dromore.
  4. Calgary will host the 40th WorldSkills Competition, from 1 – 6 September 2009.  In addition to the 900 competitors from 51 member countries, there are 3,000 volunteers, 5,000 international experts, delegates and visitors, 30,000 hotel room nights, 150,000 student and public spectators and 80,000 square metres of competition space.
  5. UK Skills is responsible for selecting and training UK candidates for WorldSkills.
  6. The UK’s WorldSkills team is managed by UK Skills working in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Employment and Learning, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and key partners from education, government and industry.
  7. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.