News

Cable sets out investment in skills for growth

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Business Secretary Vince Cable explained to the WorldSkills Leaders' Forum how a new Government investment will increase skills and drive growth at the WorldSkills London 2011 Leaders Forum.

The Government investment, of more than £20M, will boost skills and drive growth in key industries including nuclear manufacturing, renewable energy and healthcare.

£11 million of Government matched funding, awarded following the first round of bids to the Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF), will enable employers to deliver more effective skills solutions through more apprenticeships, new professional standards and closer partnerships with education and training providers.

Speaking during his keynote address at the Forum, which runs alongside the WorldSkills London 2011 Competition for highly skilled young people, Dr Cable explained that skills offer a source of pride for young people and a feeling of social inclusion and that they also provide an answer to financial insecurity.

The Renewable energy, Healthcare and creative industries were among those identified in the speech as sectors which will benefit immediately from GIF funding. Thanks to a successful first round bid, Renewable UK, the wind, wave and tidal energy trade association, is set to receive a boost of £500,000 which will enable them to establish a Renewables Training Network (RTN) to tackle the critical shortage of skilled workers in green energy industries.

People 1st, the Sector Skills Council for the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Sector will also be receiving £1M to broker 500 new apprenticeship places and help 15,000 unemployed people to find work.

The Business Secretary also reassured delegates as to the safeguarding of the Adult Learning Budget, explaining that learning new skills offers “confidence, optimism and sense of purpose for young and old alike”. Work is now being undertaken on the development of future rounds of GIF, which will deliver up to £50m of Government investment per year. An announcement will be made later this year regarding investment for 2012.

Watch the speech →

Boris Johnson has a go at WorldSkills London 2011

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

London Mayor Boris Johnson today visited WorldSkills London 2011 - and had a go at changing the tyre on a Honda motorcycle.

The Have a Go activites, designed to get the public involved and try various skills, are just one part of WorldSkills London 2011, the biggest skills Competition, jobs and careers event the UK has seen.

The WorldSkills London 2011 Competition will see almost a thousand young people battle it out to be the best of the best in a range of vocational skills, ranging from dress making and cooking to web design.

Mr Johnson, speaking at an Apprenticeships event running alongside the Competition, said:

"Only too recently weve seen the damage that can be caused to our city by those who, for whatever reason, do not have a purpose in life.

Londons young people are Londons future and it is vital that nobody is left behind and everyone has the same opportunity to learn, train or work.

That means carefully targeting this valuable investment in our city to catch those young Londoners who are at risk at the earliest opportunity.

Watch Boris's visit to WorldSkills London ?

David Cameron visits WorldSkills London

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Prime Minister David Cameron today visited WorldSkills London 2011 – the biggest skills Competition, jobs and careers event in the world.

After touring the event, ‘having a go’ at mobile robotics with Middlesex University and speaking to school and college children from across the UK, Cameron also met members of the largest ever Team UK. The Prime Minister met Puja Varsani and Darren Lewis – both from London – who are competing in the Mobile Robotics Competition.

He also spoke to members of the Manufacturing Team Challenge Kai Burkitt (from Stockport), Rachel Carr (from Poulton-le-Fylde) and Sam Andrews (from Preston).

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

"I’m absolutely delighted that London is hosting the biggest WorldSkills Competition in its sixty year history. Standing here is so inspiring. To see almost 1,000 young people from more than 50 countries competing to be the best of the best. Not just in one skill, but in more than 40 skills from robotics, to web design, from cookery to landscape gardening.

"It’s great too for me that the UK is able to show off the skills and diversity of our own young people. What they have all achieved here sets a fantastic example for other young people."

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of WorldSkills London 2011, welcomed the Prime Minister to ExCeL and said:

“Skills shape our world and there has never been a more important time to hold WorldSkills in our country. We are delighted that politicians and dignitaries from across the UK – and indeed the world – have joined us here to recognise the very best young talent in key skill areas."

An expected 150,000 spectators and skilled participants will join international business leaders and politicians in attending across the four day event at ExCeL London – taking place over an area the size of ten Wembley football pitches until Saturday.

James Watt Supports Salford’s Skills

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

One of the UK’s best known engineers turned out in Manchester today to show how skills shape our world.

The statue of inventor and mechanical engineer James Watt, in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, sported a WorldSkills London 2011 sash to celebrate Salford & Manchester’s skills heritage and promote the city’s involvement in a three week Skills Festival, where schools, colleges and employers will be giving people one million opportunities to have a go at a new skill – and discover how new skills can be part of their future.

Students from Salford City College showcased their skills, which they’ll be taking to London this week, in front of the monument. The college will be taking 50 students and staff to the Competition, to be part of the exhibition and showcase element of the event; showcasing skills in creative arts and design, catering, construction and hair and beauty to visitors from across the globe. WorldSkills London 2011 is taking place from 5-8 October 2011 and will bring together 1,000 young people from all over the globe to compete to become the best of the best at their chosen skill.

People of all ages are welcome at the event, which will also be a great opportunity to try out new skills and find out about career opportunities. Martin Sim, Principal of Salford City College, is delighted to see students from the college so heavily involved in the event:

“It is a fantastic achievement that we have been asked to deliver four showcases at this international competition. The college regularly hosts regional WorldSkills competitions, some staff have judged at heats across the country and many of our students have won medals in regional heats, so I am very proud that our students will be representing the excellent skills of young people in Salford at this prestigious event. ”

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of WorldSkills London 2011 said:

“It’s fantastic to see one of Manchester’s most famous faces help promote those from the local community putting Salford on the skills map. There are many ways to get on in your career, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see young people from the local area taking pride in their talents and being recognised for their achievements – which will be on show at the international competition in London this week. ”

WorldSkills London 2011 opens its doors

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With Competitions ranging from floristry to aircraft maintenance. As well as seeing the competitors in action, young people also have the chance to get stuck in and try their hand at a vast range of activities in the “Have a Go” area.

London today kicked off the 41st WorldSkills event – the world’s foremost vocational skills contest. The unique Competition brings together almost 1,000 young people from 51 different countries and regions to battle it out against the clock to become the best in their chosen trade - with Competitions ranging from floristry to aircraft maintenance. As well as seeing the competitors in action, young people also have the chance to get stuck in and try their hand at a vast range of activities in the “Have a Go” area.

'Have a Go' opportunities range from chocolate welding and car painting to designing a dress for a star of ITV1’s The Only Way is Essex. Visitors were also entertained and inspired by an array of live showcases taking place across the seven stages, with experts on hand giving careers advice and guidance.

The “Make it Happen”exhibition also allowed young people to network with hundreds of the UK’s top employers including BT and Honda to gain information about real life training and job opportunities with their companies.

Apprentice runner up and TV presenter Kate Walsh delivered a speech advising budding entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and stay determined while Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den held drop in sessions at the BBC's “Make it Happen” Stand.

Other celebrities attending today included Sophie Colquhoun, Samuell Benta and Modupe Adyeye of Eastenders spin off show E20. An expected 150,000 spectators, skilled participants and stars are expected to attend across the four day event at the ExCeL centre – taking place over an area the size of 10 Wembley football pitches.

The event, hailed by WorldSkills London 2011 chairman Chris Humphries, as an “opportunity to transform the public image of vocational skills”, will provide an invaluable opportunity to get inspired about skill-based careers.

This unprecedented opportunity to raise the profile of vocational education has been made possible by the dedication of the sponsors and partner organisations which have encouraged entries and donated equipment or expertise in team coaching.

New apprenticeships and training opportunities announced

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Over 1,300 new Apprenticeships have been announced by some of the UK’s largest and most innovative companies to mark the start of WorldSkills London 2011, the world’s greatest international skills Competition, jobs and careers event.

Employers announcing the new Apprenticeships include technology companies 3M, Cisco and XMA, BMW’s UK dealers, Bentley Motors, precision measurement specialist Renishaw and hair and beauty supplier Ellisons.

Starbucks has also announced that it will be using WorldSkills London 2011 as a platform to recruit 1,000 new permanent salaried trainees as it prepares for London 2012. Hundreds more employers are also attending WorldSkills to recruit people into real job vacancies.

In addition, colleges and training providers from across the UK including learndirect and City & Guilds, will provide access to a wide range of other learning places, courses and Apprenticeships.

Aidan Jones, chief executive of WorldSkills London 2011, commented:

“Skills shape our world and as such it is vital young people and parents are aware of how the working world is evolving. “There are likely to be some stark advances in the skills in demand and the industries in which people work in the future. For example, job titles such as Solar PV fitter, Offshore Wind Technician and Wind Turbine Technician could become mainstream. We could even see roles like Old Age Wellness Manager or Robot Mechanic growing significantly in number as skilled occupations of the future.

“The hundreds of employers, colleges and exhibitors at WorldSkills London 2011 who are pledging to provide real Apprenticeships, real jobs and real courses for the next generation evidence how skills are in greater demand than ever before. ”

Lesley Giles, UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) said:

“Emerging technology, changing consumer trends and the low carbon agenda are all likely to influence the demand for future skills. These forces have acted on the labour market over the last decade, as we can see with the changes evidenced here. The Commission expects that such change will continue with some very specific effects: for example, demand for childcare is expected to grow and, with an estimated 6.3 million people aged 75 or over by 2021, so too will the need for skilled care professionals – in particular those with the skills to meet the increasingly complex social care needs of the UK.

“Engineering is another area that is expected to increase as the UK looks to develop high level skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. This will be critical as we move towards the future and also in replacing workers set for retirement. ”

John Hayes MP. Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said:

“Apprenticeships are valued by employers, sought after by learners, and vital to meeting the skills needs of tomorrow and securing future growth. That is why this Government is creating the biggest apprenticeships programme this country has seen. ”

Theo Paphitis, Dragon’s Den star and one of the UK’s most high profile businessmen, commented:

“Skills are vital to ensuring the UK’s future as one of the World’s biggest economies. Skills not only provide the talent organisations need to thrive, evolve and grow but also give people a firm grounding on which to start their own enterprises. An area of particular interest to me is technology and the digital economy. Continued and growing demand for advanced skills in this industry are predicted as new technology comes to market, influencing even more aspects of our everyday lives – from virtual learning and social networking to medicine and entertainment. ”

Leonie Williams, Head of Personnel Manufacturing and Skills Development at Bentley will join the Business in the Community Big Conversation at WorldSkills London 2011 on 5th October, and said:

“Skills development, good quality Apprenticeships and training programmes represent the bedrock on which our future is built. They allow young people to flourish and help make companies such as Bentley more globally competitive and, in the case of manufacturing, to help rebalance the UK economy. ”

Ben Taylor, Assistant Chief Executive of Renishaw says:

“Skills development is vital to enable Renishaw to maintain its leadership in advanced engineering and scientific solutions for measurement and healthcare. That is why we have run our own Apprenticeship and undergraduate schemes for over 25 years, launched our own skills academy last year, and this summer gave placements to some 70 university students. ”

Zoe Dickson, HR Director of 3M says:

“As an innovation company 3M will always need talented individuals to ensure we can continue to grow and prosper into the future. The very best companies look for the very best people. However, being technically skilled is not enough in itself – equally important are those ‘soft’ skills such as the ability to interact with others and communicate effectively.”

WorldSkills London 2011 takes place from 5-8th October at ExCeL London. 1,000 young people from more than 50 member countries and regions will compete in 46 skill areas including mobile robotics, mechatronics, automobile technology and mechanical engineering. The event aims to inspire and enthuse people, of all ages, about their future careers and the endless possibilities that exist.

Media enquiries

For further information, or to arrange an interview, please call 020 7069 6660 (WorldSkills London 2011 Media Centre) or 020 3451 9497 or email wslmedia@bbpr.com

Deputy Prime Minister opens WorldSkills London 2011

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Deputy Prime Minster, Nick Clegg, officially welcomed around 1,000 competitors from around the world to WorldSkills London 2011 on Tuesday 4th October 2011 at the O2 Arena.

The opening ceremony marked the start of the greatest skills Competition, jobs and careers event in the UK's history and featured performances from young people across the country.

The Competition itself will take place at ExCeL London from 5th-8th October and feature young people competing to be the best of the best in 46 skills Competitions. Team UK is entering its largest ever team, with 43 Competitors competing in 38 skills.

Aidan Jones, chief executive of WorldSkills London 2011 said:

"It's an honour to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to the opening ceremony for WorldSkills London 2011. There has never been a more important time to show the UK that skills shape our world and that the future success of Britain's businesses depend on a highly skilled workforce. We hope that WorldSkills London will demonstrate to the world how talented young British people are."

Half of Europeans Study for Skills

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of a speech at WorldSkills London 2011 by Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, the European Commission has released new data which shows nearly half of all Europeans choose to enrol in vocational learning after their compulsory education.

According to the Eurobarometer report, 47% of EU citizens were or are currently enrolled in vocational education and training. There are, however, large differences between countries: as many as 76% in the Netherlands, 70% in Slovakia and 66% in the Czech Republic have experienced vocational education and training, while this is the case for 41% in the UK and only 24% in Portugal and Spain and 27% in Malta.

Commissioner Vassiliou said: “I believe all of us would prefer to fly in an aeroplane with a well-trained pilot rather than a well-educated pilot. Our objective is to achieve the right blend of education and training to suit the vocational world. Investing in vocational education and training is also one of the best ways of combating youth unemployment. By creating high quality training, we enable young people to boost their personal development and to acquire the kind of specific and transferable skills which employers need."

But while vocational learning generally has a positive image among most age groups, linked to the high quality of training on offer and the strong job prospects that this brings, the research shows that more needs to be done to improve the image and attractiveness of vocational educational and training within this crucial age group.

Aidan Jones, chief executive of WorldSkills London 2011, commented: "With nearly half of Europe choosing to take a vocational course after compulsory education, it just goes to show that skills really do shape our world. We must all take responsibility for trying to improve the reputation of skills. WorldSkills London 2011 is the greatest skills Competition, jobs and careers event on the planet and is part of this solution - we hope we will inspire the 150,000 young people who visit us next week with a passion for vocational skills which they share with their friends and families."

And Vassiliou added, "in spite of its advantages vocational education and training is failing to attract enough young people. We must continue to improve career guidance and better communicate the high demand for vocational professions to young people." The findings of the Eurobarometer survey on "Attitudes towards vocational education and training" will be discussed at the WorldSkills Premiere Experience on Friday 7th October 2011.

Find out more about the WorldSkills Premiere Experience →

Convoy of Routemasters assembled for WorldSkills London 2011

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In a spectacular and unique display, the largest known convey of London’s iconic Routemaster buses assembled at ExCeL London today for WorldSkills London 2011.

The largest assembled collection of Routemasters in history amused hundreds of international delegates attending WorldSkills London 2011, who boarded the 27 buses to take a tour of London’s famous sites, such as the London Eye, St Paul’s, Piccadilly Circus and Hyde Park.

27 buses from private operators across the country made the journey to ExCeL London. As there are only around 50 original RML Routemasters in the UK, it was difficult to find a Routemaster that was not at WorldSkills London today.

This one-off convoy also marked the 50th anniversary of the production of the RML Routemaster, the high capacity version of the Routemaster designed for the major central London routes.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: "The Routemaster is a true icon of London. They are recognised all over the world and it is fantastic to see them celebrated on their 50th birthday; but also a reminder that it's time for London to move into the future. That's why I am looking to preserve their wonderful hop on and hop off heritage by creating a new bus for London that will be just as iconic, but also cleaner, greener and fit for the 21st century and beyond."

WIN! A Fashion & Beauty Make-up Masterclass with Daniel Sandler

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our official Ambassador for Make-up, Daniel Sandler is offering a unique experience for aspiring make-up artists to win a half day Masterclass at the London College of Beauty Therapy.

With his own award-winning makeup line, Daniel Sandler Cosmetics, and over 25 years industry experience, this is an exciting opportunity for anyone considering a career in makeup artistry to meet one of the UK’s top makeup artists.

Six lucky winners will get the chance to learn about the latest techniques and products, get expert advice and their own starter kit of Daniel Sandler Cosmetics to take home.

For your chance to win a Fashion and Beauty Makeup Masterclass with Daniel Sandler, submit your details and your own original makeup design online by 6.00pm on Tuesday, 18 October. Winners will be notified by WorldSkills London 2011 on Friday, 21 October. Full terms and conditions are posted online.

The Masterclass will take place on Friday, 18 November at London College of Beauty Therapy. The competition is open to those aged 16 and over residing in the UK. Please note that the prize is not transferrable or redeemable for cash and winners must arrange their own transport and accommodation to attend the Masterclass.

For more information about Daniel and Daniel Sandler cosmetics visit www.danielsandler.com.

Good luck!

WIN! The chance to become a shoe design icon with I CAN make shoes

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Calling all fashionistas and footwear fanatics! WorldSkills London 2011 is offering the chance for four lucky winners to take part in a one-day shoe design workshop at I CAN make shoes.

This one day shoe design workshop, led by Amanda Luisa, teaches you everything you need to consider when designing footwear. You’ll learn how to design footwear from both a creative and technical point of view and the course is an ideal starter for anyone thinking about a career in footwear.

For your chance to win, we’re asking you to design your ultimate shoe – think skyscraper heels, buckles, laces, luxury embellishments, unique styling and catwalk inspiration. The workshop will take place on Saturday, 12 November 2011 at I CAN make shoes in Stoke Newington and entry is open to anyone aged 16 or over on 1 October 2011.

To enter the competition, submit your details online along with a digital image of your ultimate shoe design. Entries can be in submitted via the online entry form in the format of your choice - digital files, scanned sketches/drawings or modeled in 3D! For inspiration, check out the handmade shoes and sandals that have been created in Amanda’s workshops online.

Amanda will select the most creative and original designer as the winner. We’ll showcase some of the best entries on the WorldSkills London 2011 facebook page over the course of the competition and the winner will be announced on 9 October, 2011. Terms and conditions are posted on the WordSkills London 2011 website.

For more information about workshops and bespoke designs, visit I CAN make shoes online.

Good luck!

UK's ‘Second Skills’ valued at more than £7.6 billion

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Millions of UK adults – including a host of celebrities – have second skills estimated to be worth more than £7.6 billion. (1) (2)

That’s according to new findings released today by WorldSkills London 2011 − the UK’s biggest skills showcase for over 20 years. They reveal more than 16 million UK adults (61 per cent) have practical or vocational skills, such as tiling, carpentry and plumbing, which could lead to a new career.

And these entrepreneurs are boosting the UK economy by £7.6 billion each year by making the most of their second skills. Indeed, more than 300,000 enterprising people with ‘second skills’ earn more than £5,000 a year and over a quarter (28 per cent) earn more than £1,000.

Cooking dominates the second skills club, with over one fifth (22 per cent) of people in the UK reporting to have mastered skills in the kitchen which they could use to forge a new career or start a new business. This is followed by painting and decorating (12 per cent), childcare (10 per cent), tutoring (10 per cent) and web design (9 per cent). See Fig 2 – Second skills top 15.

It would seem that even the UK’s most famous are hiding their light under a bushel. David Jason is a mechanic, Frankie Boyle trained as a teacher, Daniel Day Lewis is a chippy and Ozzy Osbourne is a closet plumber. Other stars with second skills include:

1.    Bob Geldof, Road maintenance worker
2.    Eddie the Eagle Edwards, Plasterer
3.    Michael Caine, Plumber
4.    Danielle Lloyd, Nail Technician
5.    Noel Gallagher, Construction worker
6.    Jo Brand, Nurse
7.    Sharleen Spiteri, Hairdresser
8.    Maggie Philbin, Confectionery and Baking

A fifth (20 per cent) of those who have second skills say they use them to earn money, but two fifths (40 per cent) enjoy using their skills as a hobby and nearly one third (31 per cent) offer their services to friends and family. Nearly 20 per cent cite their extra skills on their CV to improve job prospects.

One in six (16 per cent) say they would like to do a job in which their other skills were utilised. In fact, 1.5 million UK adults are planning to use their other skills or qualifications to change career in the future and more than one million plan to start their own business using their second skills.

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of WorldSkills London 2011 said: "It is great to see that people are so diversely skilled and are using those skills to help boost the economy and develop their careers. The study shows how important skills are in shaping our world, with people all over the UK having acquired or studied for vocational skills they could use in the workplace or to start a new business.

"Developing practical skills can open up a range of new opportunities for people, young and old, both now and in the future. WorldSkills London in October aims to open people’s eyes and capture people’s imaginations, allowing thousands to have a go at trying out a new skill, discovering their career aspirations and showing that you can achieve your ambitions through skills."

Fig. 2 THE TOP 15 ‘SECOND SKILLS’

Practical or vocational skill Number of UK adults who have this skill and could use it to do another job

Cooking - 5.8 million
Painting and decorating - 3.1 million
Childcare - 2.6 million
Tutoring - 2.5 million
Web Design - 2.3 million
Counselling - 1.9 million
Social media - 1.8 million
landscape gardening - 1.8 million
Car maintenance - 1.7 million
Engineering - 1.5 million
Carpentry - 1.3 million
Plumbing - 1.3 million
Tiling - 1.2 million
Electrics - 1.2 million

Methodology

(1) ICM interviewed a random sample of 1142 adults aged 18+ from its online panel between 19^th and 21^st of August. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.com

(2) The mean amount earned by those generating cash from their second skills is £3643.81. Of those questioned in the survey 20% said they used their skills to earn extra money. When weighted to represent the population this equates to 3,223,000 people, of which 65 per cent (2,106,000 people) were prepared or able to divulge their personal financial information. This number (2,106,000) multiplied by £3643.81 amounts to £7, 673,863,860 in extra earnings for UK adults using their skills.

Window of opportunity for UK fashion skills

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Top, young fashion designer Rory Andrew sewed his latest creations, stitch-by-stitch in the space that was dressed by Team UK’s visual merchandising Competitor Kirsty Hoadley.

The skills display marked the start of WorldSkills London 2011's three-week Have a Go skills festival taking place in the run up to WorldSkills London 2011, the world’s greatest skills Competition, taking place at ExCeL London from 5-8 October.

Rory was offered the extraordinary opportunity to display his work after being selected to represent the UK in fashion technology at the event.
Fashion designer, Ben de Lisi, best known for his collections with the high street store and as a mentor and judge on the television series Project Catwalk, dropped in to see Rory’s work in progress.

Ben de Lisi praised Rory and said: "Rory has shown astonishing creativity which he has combined with a real commercial nouse to create garments that not only look good but can sell. I applaud his work and wish him good luck with the WorldSkills Competition."

Slough based Kirsty was given the task of dressing the window each morning ready for the day's activity – making the space look like a design studio on Monday, a pattern room on Tuesday, a sample room on Wednesday and photography studio on Thursday.

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of WorldSkills London 2011 said:
"It’s fantastic to see two talented individuals display their skills in essentially what is a live advert in Debenhams' Oxford Street window. Role models like Kirsty and Rory remind young people that developing practical skills can open up a range of new opportunities. WorldSkills is all about opening people's minds to new possibilities and providing inspiration for the future. The event is more than a Competition - every visitor to WorldSkills London 2011 will get the chance to try bite size tasters of the skills on display. Come along and Have a Go!"

Show your support for WorldSkills London 2011 on Facebook and Twitter!

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re involved with WorldSkills London 2011, or you know someone who is, click here to add a badge to your social media profile.

We’re hoping to create an online army of WorldSkills supporters. Whether you’re a Competitor, a Volunteer, an event sponsor or planning to visit the event – add a badge and encourage your online friends to get on board. Visit our Facebook page to access a selection of free downloads for your desktop or mobile device to display your "I AM…" message.

You can keep up to date with all the latest WorldSkills London 2011 news by following @WorldSkillsLDN on Twitter and Facebook (facebook.com/worldskillslondon2011).

Visit worldskillslondon2011.com/book-tickets for more information or to register for your complimentary tickets.

WorldSkills London 2011 announces Official Ambassador for Makeup

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel is a big supporter of skilled careers and his keen to share his insider knowledge and inspire young people who are interested in makeup artistry and beauty therapy.

‘I was delighted when asked to be Ambassador for Make-up because there's so much I can offer students such as careers advice learned from over 25 years within the beauty industry, plus having my own cosmetics line I am also in a position to give advice on creating a small business,’ he says.

‘Knowledge is key to being successful in whatever you do so if I can help students stand out from the crowd, they will be successful, fulfil their dreams and unlock their potential.’

Daniel’s career has seen him work all over the world with high-profile fashion photographers and designers at major fashion shows. He is also a regular on national TV and works with high profile clients to prepare them for red carpet events.

Daniel’s self-titled makeup line is now in its seventh successful year and is available at his Urban Retreat makeup studio in Harrods, London.

Britain's 'Skillionaires' Revealed

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

From football and motor racing to hairdressing and catering, the City & Guilds Vocational Rich List 2011 features big names from multiple industries.

A-level students might think twice about their career options as research released to celebrate WorldSkills London 2011 − the UK's biggest showcase of vocational skills for over 20 years − reveals the riches accrued by Britons with a vocational education.

The City & Guilds Vocational Rich List ranks wealth among those who have built their fortunes following an Apprenticeship or other practical qualification. And defying the downturn, the seventh edition of the List shows Britain's self-made, vocational elite are worth a collective £17.6 billion - a billion pound increase since 2008.

The List, independently compiled by Philip Beresford, author of the annual Sunday Times Rich List, will be welcome news to many as it proves you don't need to be born rich to become rich. Now worth millions, 94 of the top 100 have made their way in the business world on their own merits. Instead, household names including John Frieda (position 22) and Formula One backroom star Ross Brawn (position 34) began their careers as apprentices.

Dragon's Den judge and leisure industry magnate Deborah Meadon (position 63) adds a boost to the number of women on the list with her self made fortune valued at £40 million. Deborah is one of a handful of well known women including fashionastas Linda Bennett, founder of LK Bennett (position 41), City & Guilds qualified Karen Millen (position 63) and Stella McCartney and cook and food writer, Delia Smith (both position 89).

Delia joins a host of other well-known TV Chefs including Jamie Oliver (position 33), Rick Stein (position 79) and Gary Rhodes (position 100) all of whom started their careers having completed a vocational catering qualification.

But while celebrity chefs may have cooked themselves up a fortune, it's the entrepreneurs from industry, including high tech sectors, that lead the way in the 2011 List making up 30 of the 100, up nine from 2008. They are followed by property and construction with 25 millionaires and the leisure industry with ten.

The regional spread is as even as the spread in industry with only 24 of the 100 coming from the South East, breaking the North South divide. Scotland is second with 20 individuals on the list, followed by the North West with 11 and Yorkshire and the Midlands tie in fourth place with nine.

Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds said:

"Our latest Vocational Rich List proves you don't need a degree to succeed. The List not only celebrates the success of Britain's leading business men and women, but also serves as an inspiration to others to discover their talent and unlock their potential through vocational education and skills training. Many of the contestants at this year's WorldSkills London event have done just that and I have no doubt that one day we will see some of their names on the List."

Entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, who appears at position 63 in the list, added:

"As someone who set up their own business at a young age, I know only too well how important it is to have the right skills and the right attitude to become successful. I think it's wonderful that industrious, talented young people are being celebrated through WorldSkills London 2011; skills really do mean business and I hope that the Competition inspires people to think about different ways to achieve their goals."

The release of the latest City & Guilds Vocational Rich List will be particularly welcomed by the country's Geminis as the research shows people born under this star have the business nous to be leading entrepreneurs - 1 in 5 Vocational Rich millionaires are Geminis including diamond billionaire Laurence Graff (position 2), Jamie Oliver (position 33), former Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart (position 62), and John Bloor (position 11) who revived motorbike manufacturer Triumph.

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of WorldSkills London 2011 said:

"You don't need to marry into money, appear on Big Brother or go to university to become rich, the City & Guilds Vocational Rich List shows all you need is talent and ambition to become the next 'Skillionaire'. The competition in October aims to open people's eyes and capture people's imaginations, allowing thousands to discover their career aspirations and show that you can achieve your ambitions through skills."

To see the full List or to find out more, visit: www.cityandguilds.com/vrl2011 or www.worldskillslondon2011.com

WorldSkills London 2011 announces Official Ambassador for Shoe Design

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After many successful years as a shoemaker in Australia, Amanda has pioneered her own 'handmade' techniques and now runs shoe-making workshops and creates a fabulous range of footwear in her London studio.

Amanda says, 'being a WorldSkills London 2011 Ambassador is so exciting to me. I have always believed that with the right skills nothing is impossible, and to be able to share those skills and support those who want to learn is really inspiring.'

Visit icanmakeshoes.com to learn more about Amanda's talents.

10 weeks to go!

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The countdown to WorldSkills London 2011 is well underway with just ten weeks to go until the world's largest international skills competition touches down in London.

Team UK Competitors from across the country are working hard to ensure they will be in top form at WorldSkills London 2011.

Based at ExCeL London from 5-8 October, WorldSkills London 2011 will see hundreds of Competitors from over 55 member countries/regions competing for gold across 46 skill competitions. Everything from landscape gardening to mobile robotics, hairdressing, fashion technology welding or IT is included so whatever your passion, there will be a skill to suit everyone.

In addition to four exciting days of competition, WorldSkills London 2011 offers a unique chance to get inspired and learn more about the endless career opportunities that are out there.

Aidan Jones, Executive Director of WorldSkills London 2011 is encouraging everyone to get involved the event:

'WorldSkills London 2011 is a fantastic opportunity to see highly skilled young people competing to be the best in their chosen field. There is no better way to discover a new passion or hidden talent than to visit the event and Have a Go. With 46 skill areas represented under one roof, the event will have something to interest everyone.'

For more information on WorldSkills London 2011 and to register for complimentary tickets to the event between 5-8 October, please visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com

100,000 visitor milestone

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Preparations for the event are well underway and Team UK's 43 Competitors are now in the final phase of training in skill categories including stonemasonry, hairdressing, landscape gardening and mobile robotics.

More than 1,000 competitors are coming from over 55 countries/regions to take part in the four-day competition at ExCeL London from 5-8 October. WorldSkills London 2011 is shaping up to be the biggest skills event yet, taking over 90,000m2 of space at ExCeL London and attracting over 150,000 visitors.

As well as seeing some of the world's most talented young people battle it out to become the best of the best, WorldSkills London 2011 has an exciting event programme.

Visitors can:

Find out about hundreds of different careers

Have a Go at dozens of different skills such as floristry, carpentry, beauty therapy and web design

See dance, drama, art, skills and media Showcases - delivered by winning schools and colleges

Receive personal and impartial careers advice; City and Guilds will also be on hand

Visit the Make it Happen area, an interactive exhibition hosting top employers and job opportunities, training providers, career organisations and more.

Aidan Jones, Executive Director of WorldSkills London 2011 says:

"WorldSkills London 2011 is a fantastic opportunity to see highly skilled young people competing to be the best in their field. This will be the biggest event in London before the 2012 Olympics and we are working hard to ensure that London is the biggest and best WorldSkills yet."

Group and individual tickets are still available; please visit worldskillslondon2011.com/visit to reserve your place.

'Have a Go' at Hairdressing

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Skills Minister, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP, and top hairdresser Andrew Barton will be urging the public to think about hairdressing as a career at a special WorldSkills London 2011 'Have a Go' event at Andrew Barton's salon this Thursday 7 July at 1.30pm.

Organised by L'Oréal Professionnel to celebrate its sponsorship and investment in the huge, international WorldSkills London 2011 Competition (taking place 5-8 October at ExCeL London), the event will encourage members of the media and the general public to find out if they can cut it as a hairdresser and learn more about the skills involved.

Hairdressing is one of the 46 skills that will be showcased at WorldSkills London 2011 - which comes to the UK this year for the first time in over 20 years. The Competition will see 1,000 young professionals, aged 18−25, compete to become the best of the best in their chosen skill in front of an audience of 150,000.

At WorldSkills London 2011 the hopes of the UK hairdressing industry will be resting on Lizzie Hale, 19, who was chosen out of thousands of candidates for her amazing skills. Lizzie started training aged 21 and now works as a stylist at Reds Hair Company salon in Ross-on-Wye. She says: "I'm thrilled to be representing Britain in this amazing Competition. I've been constantly training so I'm ready for the final in October and hope I do the industry proud. I really love my job as I'm always learning and hope my passion and creativity shines through on the day."

Despite the economic situation Britain's hairdressing industry is booming. With an annual turnover of £5.25 billion the industry currently employs over 245,000 people and has 37.8 million consumers who visit the UK's 34,000 salons and 3,000 barbers.

The Rt Hon John Hayes MP says: "We are delighted to host WorldSkills and it provides us with a clear opportunity to enthuse young people to develop the skills and expertise needed to fill the skills gaps that exist in the hairdressing sector and other leading British industries. L'Oréal Professionel's support will ensure that the WorldSkills hairdressing competition is the best one yet, helping to inspire the next generation of leading hairdressers."

According to Vincent Mercier, MD of L'Oréal Professional Products: "We welcome the Government's investment in helping to support the industry in training the next generation of hairdressing talent. What distinguishes the UK's growing breed of successful hairdressers is their dedication to the customer, the innovation and creativity that they readily embrace, reinforced by a solid foundation of continuous training during the course of their career."

Top stylist Andrew Barton agrees: "Hairdressing is an amazing industry to be involved in right now and I'd urge anyone who is creative and personable to have a go. I started off as a junior apprentice when I was 16 and gradually worked my way up over the years and now run a successful business in London's Covent Garden with clients including Katie Perry, Myleene Klass, Denise Van Outen and Robbie Williams. All along the way I've constantly trained and developed my skills given there's so much innovation and product development happening in the industry. It's fascinating and thrilling and a brilliant career for sure."

Chris Humphries, Chairman of WorldSkills London 2011, adds: "I'd like to thank the L'Oréal Professionel team for their incredible efforts in helping to support the training of Team UK, in supplying world-class equipment and products for the Competition and in putting the weight of their spectacular brand behind what promises to be the best WorldSkills Competition yet seen."

Winning Designs

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

School students Arash Manshadi from Edgware, Middlesex and Shivani Kava, from Ealing have won a nationwide competition to design the medals for this year's WorldSkills Competition, to be hosted in the UK for the first time in decades.

Arash and Shivani's designs will be used to make over 150 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and 56 Best of Nation medals which will be presented at the spectacular Closing Ceremony at The O2 arena on 9 October 2011.

"It was an incredibly tough call, but these designs really shone out. The spec was to incorporate elements of the Competition as well as the host city of London," says WorldSkills London 2011 CEO Aidan Jones. "Winning one of these medals means that you are world-class in your particular skill and the quality and design of the medals had to reflect that."

Bentley Motors, a Presenting Sponsor of WorldSkills London 2011, will ensure the medals are produced to the exacting quality standards expected of anything associated with the high luxury motor Company.

"Arash and Shivani's design brings together skills, London and the world so encapsulates the three core elements of the event" said Robin Page, Head of Interior Design at Bentley Motors. "Bentley engineers produce goods of the highest quality, and these designs reflected the level of excellence."

Both aged 13, the talented designers will now meet the Bentley engineers who will make their designs a reality, enjoy a Chauffeur driven trip in a new Bentley Mulsanne and a VIP tour of Bentley Motors' headquarters. During the factory tour they will see their designs being had crafted. The young designers will also be on stage to present the medals at the 6,000 strong WorldSkills Closing Ceremony on 9 October 2011.

Ten finalists' artwork will be displayed at WorldSkills London 2011 and online, as well as receiving scale models of the new Bentley Mulsanne.

View all the winning designs on Facebook

WorldSkills takes Gold, Silver and Bronze at Chelsea

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Judges at the 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show have awarded WorldSkills London 2011 a Silver gilt medal for their 'hands on' educational exhibit "Showcasing Skills that Shape our World", whilst WorldSkills competitors Joe Massie and Jessica Andrews scooped up the Young Florist of the Year and Bronze respectively.

Created from an original concept by WorldSkills Fashion Expert Victoria Mawhinney with expert content from the Eden Project and consultancy with TV Broadcaster Chris Beardshaw, the WorldSkills exhibit was commended for its innovative design, superior educational value and interactive visitor experience.

WorldSkills competitors featured strongly in the Young Florist of the year competition, with Joe Massie, a WorldSkills bronze medallist from WorldSkills Calgary 2009 winning Young Florist of the Year for the third year running and Jessica Andrews, of this year's WorldSkills Squad UK, taking bronze.

Located in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's popular Continuous Learning Zone inside the Great Pavillion, the WorldSkills exhibit amazed visitors by showing them how plants, combined with skills and human ingenuity create jobs and wealth around the world. Visitors, who included Sir Michael Parkinson, JLS, Prince Philip, Joan Rivers, Bill Bailey, Will Young, Paul McKenna, Dame Helen Mirren, Anne Diamond, Arlene Philips and Natasha Kaplinksky and Peter Sissons were invited to Have a Go at making mood enhancing floral buttonholes or a glamorous floral hair dos.

Visitors to the exhibit also had the opportunity to learn about the important role plants play in eco-friendly fashion and beauty. Special touch-screen displays - incorporating fascinating facts from the Eden Project and City and Guilds addressed eco-fabrics and the benefits of natural plant-derived materials and dyes, including hemp, ramie, flax, nettle and bamboo as well as the qualifications available in those industries. Two contemporary wedding dresses created by designer Julie Dutton using sustainable bamboo and silk proved that eco-friendly can also be luxurious and fashion-forward.

Skills Minister John Hayes said:

"The winning exhibits combined the magic of beauty and the power of learning. I congratulate everyone involved for a splendid result at Chelsea, and look forward to celebrating even more success when the WorldSkills UK team competes in London this autumn."

Chris Beardshaw says; "This is a fantastic achievement for World Skills with their first Chelsea interactive exhibit and I hope visitors to the show will enjoy learning about the power of plants on the WorldSkills stand."

Sir Michael and Mary Parkinson, who both made button holes with students at the stand commented:

"This is absolutely the right idea - it is so important for young people to get out there and have a go!"

Jessica Andrews, WorldSkills Squad UK (Floristry) and bronze winner of the Young Florist of the Year said,

"I am thrilled to be awarded Bronze Young Florist of the Year. Joe Massie, who is now the winner three year's running, is actually my WorldSkills mentor, and he was WorldSkills Bronze medallist in Calgary 2009, so I am also delighted for him, and honoured to be working with such amazing florists. Hopefully I'll be representing the UK later this year at WorldSkills London 2011."

Chris Humphries, Chairman of WorldSkills London 2011, said:

"We are thrilled to have been recognised with a medal; the competition was incredibly stiff so this is a huge achievement for our whole team. In the lead-up to WorldSkills London 2011 this October, we are creating one million opportunities for the UK to Have a Go at a new skill. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has long been associated with the highest level of horticultural education, is the perfect forum to showcase skills that focus on people and plants, and I hope that the visitors who joined us found the experience enlightening."

Have a Go activities at the WorldSkills stand were led by experts from Merrist Wood College, Pureology, Cookson Precious Metals, and Westminster Kingsway College.

See the Have a Go at RHS Chelsea film here

UK Students Offer World Class Show

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

110 colleges and training providers from across the UK have been chosen from hundreds of applicants to showcase the best of the UK Skills and talents to a global audience at WorldSkills London 2011 in October.

Representing the whole of the UK the final list of Showcase colleges and training providers were chosen from hundreds of applicants. They represent the highest level of skills talent in the UK and will help to provide an exciting and varied event programme as part of WorldSkills London 2011.

The WorldSkills London 2011 Competition will to take place from 5 - 8 October and be held at ExCeL London; over 150,000 global visitors will see 1,000 of the most skilled young people from all corners of the globe battling it out in 45 different skills, competing to be crowned the best of the best in their chosen skill.

The selected Showcase colleges and training providers have devised innovative and highly visual fun and engaging showcases giving both staff and students an opportunity to shine in front of a huge national and international audience.

Some of the feats on display at the event will include historical costume displays from South Thames College and demonstrations of a multi-touch surface computer developed by IT students at Farnham College.

Find out more and download the full list of Showcase Organisations

Medal Design Competition deadline May 20th!

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Are you a budding young designer ready to make your mark on the world's stage?

This October, WorldSkills London 2011 will see an anticipated 1,000 competitors from over 50 member countries/regions battle it out for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in 45 individual skills competitions. That is a lot of medals!

In association with Bentley Motors and the Design Council, WorldSkills London 2011 is inviting all aspiring artists and designers aged 9-16 years to design the medals for this year's WorldSkills competition.

WorldSkills London 2011 will be the UK's biggest event this side of the Olympics. Held in a different country every two years, this is the first time the UK has hosted WorldSkills since 1989.

The two winners of the medal design competition, each with two family members or friends, will be invited to the headquarters of Bentley Motors in Crewe to see the medals in development and do a full tour of the factory including a special design exhibition. This will be followed by lunch with a Bentley designer as well as a chauffeured drive in a Bentley Mulsanne. Bentley Motors is a sponsor of the Manufacturing Team Challenge, and will use the designs to make the official WorldSkills London 2011 medals, which the winners will help to present at a spectacular Closing Ceremony at The O2 Arena in London. Ten regional and national runners up will be showcased at WorldSkills London 2011 and online, as well as receiving scale models of the new Bentley Mulsanne.

The two winners will each be given a travel allowance for a party of up to four to attend the Closing Ceremony, which will see over 200 of the medals awarded in front of a 6000 strong audience.

Deadline for entries is Friday 20 May 2011. Visit /medals to download the brief and apply.

Will serves up a royal treat

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Will Torrent is currently involved in an exciting new collaboration with Michelin starred celebrity chef, Heston Blumenthal to create a Royal wedding dessert for Waitrose. Harry Smith reports

WorldSkills, UK Alumni member Will Torrent (Team UK 2007) is currently involved in an exciting new collaboration between supermarket giant Waitrose and Michelin starred celebrity chef, Heston Blumenthal which will see him help create new desserts for Waitrose.

It all began just before Christmas 2010 when a Waitrose director spotted the talents of confectioner and pastry chef Will, who is just 24 years old. He introduced him to the executive chef of Waitrose, Neil Nugent, and following this, Neil asked the budding chef to work with Heston to help Waitrose create a range of desserts that would knock the spots off those from rival supermarkets. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Will accepted.

Will first met Heston when he was a teenager, studying at a school which was just around the corner from Heston's now famous Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire. Aged just 15, Will had never heard of Heston as he was yet to hit the headlines; so he was completely unaware how the one week he spent there as a work experience student would shape his future.

Having started his career with Heston, Will is now relishing the opportunity to link up with him again. The pair have just finished designing a Royal wedding dessert with other chefs from Waitrose and the Fat Duck, which will go on sale at Waitrose a week before the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton and will be available throughout the rest of the summer. The recipe is a marriage of two classic British desserts, a trifle and the Eton Mess and the ingredients include; cream infused with saffron, Amaretti biscuits soaked in brandy, strawberry compote, meringue and rose petals.

Will recently returned from Celtic Manor in Wales where he cooked the dessert for 350 Waitrose delegates and senior management as well as Delia Smith. The event was held to inspire the supermarket's workforce as they implement new policies and launch their new products.

There are plenty more exciting opportunities on the horizon for Will as he prepares to cook for the Chairman of John Lewis, Charlie Mayfield, alongside 180 other guests at Partnership House in London. The guests will be treated to some of Will's signature creations such as Will's Popping Rockets, Jaffilionaires, Pistachio and Christmas Tree Extract Madeleines and Meringue Wands.

With a number of potential BBC projects also in the pipeline for Will it looks like we may soon have another celebrity chef as part of the WorldSkills, UK Alumni.

Will Torrent competed at WorldSkills Shizuoka 2007 in confectionery and won a Medallion for Excellence. To keep up to date with Will's progress follow @willtorrent on Twitter or take a look at his website www.willtorrent.com

Honda Have A Go challenge at BTCC

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As part of its Gold sponsorship of WorldSkills London 2011, Honda (UK) and the Honda Racing Team from the 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will, along with other sponsors and partners to WorldSkills London 2011, be laying down a challenge to spectators and the wider BTCC fraternity to Have A Go at a variety of activities which have their roots in vocational skills.

The activities, which showcase the skills required in engineering, beauty therapy, robotics and hospitality, will be available for everyone to try at every BTCC race meeting this coming season.

Have A Go is a national campaign created by WorldSkills London 2011 and sets out to provide one million opportunities for people across the UK to try a new skill in a fun and engaging way as part of its mission to change perceptions of vocational skills and training.

"Bringing the WorldSkills London 2011 Have A Go challenges to BTCC is a perfect combination - the two things complement each other very well," says Sarah Mayo, Partnerships Manager at Honda (UK).

"When you look further than the black stuff at a racing circuit and start to think about how many skills are involved in putting on a weekend's racing you end up with quite a few. Engineering, hospitality, event management, landscaping, beauty therapy, graphic design - the list goes on. We really hope that many people will be encouraged to come and Have A Go over the course of the race weekend - it should be a lot of fun!"

One Million Opportunities to Have a Go

visit@worldskillslondon2011.com (World Skills) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Skills Minister John Hayes today gave his backing to our campaign to create a million opportunities for people across the UK to learn new skills in 2011.

WorldSkills London 2011 is encouraging schools, colleges and businesses to organise Have a Go events that demonstrate the range of skills training opportunities that are on offer to local people.

When asked in a recent survey about a range of simple everyday skills, one in five people admitted they would be unable to complete even a third of the tasks, while one in 20 said they could perform just one of the 15 skills presented to them.

To address these skills gaps, WorldSkills London 2011 Have a Go will offer a million opportunities for people to improve their skills by learning from experts.

Find out more & get involved with the Have a Go campaign

Watch the video of the launch at City Hall (external link)