Medal Your Potential

When I was sixteen years old and finishing my compulsory basic education, I wanted  to learn a skilled trade. Apart from being sick of having my head in  books, I wanted to start my own business and the only way I was going to do that was take up an apprenticeship and start learning.

Anyway, when I told my teacher I was going to learn a skilled trade he was furious  and took me to see the school principal.  You see I was top of the class, and they were worried I’d set a bad example for the rest.  The principal laid down a heavy line about how I was “ruining my future” and that I’d be stuck in some dead end job with dirty hands for the rest of my life.

continue reading »

Catching the WorldSkills fever

I was invited to be a part of the facilitator team for this year’s WorldSkills Youth Forum (WSYF). I study and work with groups and group dynamics so I was really exited to go. I was looking forward to a challenge strengthening my professional competency. I never thought the experience would affect me the way it did!

I was asked as an outsider to be part of the WSYF 2010 to ensure that the product, a viral campaign for the WorldSkills movement, wouldn’t be influenced by anyone besides the WSYF participants themselves. We wanted the campaign to convey their point of view and I think we achieved just that. You can see for yourself on www.worldskillsyouthforum.com.

continue reading »

Social Networking and the Youth Forum

This past week I had the pleasure of attending the WorldSkills General Assembly and Youth Forum in Kingston, Jamaica. What a wonderful week in the hub of Caribbean Industry and Education. I had the opportunity to converse with the technical delegates from 37 of the 51 countries competing in the upcoming WorldSkills event in London. I also meet many high level government officials, our fellow global industrial partners; including new friends Carl Peters with Lincoln Electric and Martin Williams with Festo. Shook the hand of an Olympic athlete, Silver Medalist Grace Jackson, observed opening and closing ceremonies of the Jamaica WorldSkills competitions, conversed with the WorldSkills London 2011 Team, observed a panel of industry, government and education from the Excel in London via Webex, and took in the fabulous performing arts of Jamaica which included world class music and dance. But the most important opportunity was to network with the fabulous youth of the WorldSkills Youth Forum. They were a great group and their energy level was contagious as they presented to the General Assembly.
continue reading »

Youth Monozukuri Skills Competition – Japan

The 5^th Youth Monozukuri Skills Competition (YMSC) was held on 4^th – 6^th Aug 2010 in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. More than 200 young competitors were taking part in and competing in 14 skill categories.

This event was promoted by Japan Vocational Ability Development Association (JAVADA), the organization that is Japanese representative for WorldSkills International.

Some of the winners of the specific categories of YMSC can grasp opportunity for registering as a contestant at the National Skills Competition (NSC) in Japan taken place every year, which is the preliminary contest of WorldSkills Competition to be held every two years.

continue reading »

Where is Educational Training Going in the Future?

Educational reform is a very hot topic. We at Cisco grew from an educational institution (Stanford University). We understand how important it is to use  technology to enable the students and instructors to create the leaders and career stars of the future.

This video took place live online on August 31st, 2010.

(Watch in Ustream: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9269259)

Amy Christen, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, shares her insights on the latest approaches to teaching and learning. Christen talks about how Cisco is partnering with today’s education leaders to empower the next generation of learners.

While in Ustream you might also want to look at the fururistic view of Dave Evans.

Enjoy the video and leave some ideas of your own in the comments that you would like to see us research or use in our works.

Bob