More than 150,000 people are expected to travel to the capital's ExCeL centre for the WorldSkills London 2011 competition, which will take place on 5-8 October.

The event will see 1,000 young people from across the world battle it out in 45 different skills categories to be crowned the best of the best.

FE Minister John Hayes explains: "As host nation, we have a vital opportunity to demonstrate how skills shape the lives of individuals and national life.

"We are delighted by the number of organisations who applied to showcase and feel that by demonstrating skills from hairdressing to aircraft engineering, we can show the rest of the world just how crucial skills are for fuelling growth and feeding prosperity."

Martin Doel, chief executive of Association of Colleges (AoC), said: "My congratulations go out to all of the colleges selected to showcase the best of the UK's skills at WorldSkills London 2011. It is a great opportunity to be demonstrating skills on behalf of the UK at the biggest skills competition in the world."

To find out more, visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com

Susannah Fairbairn 

(Students at South Thames College selected to Showcase at WorldSkills London 2011)