Wednesday, 10 March 2010 19:19 Regional heats for the first WorldSkills UK Caring Competition kicked off today at Leicester College.

The two-day heat, one of of three before a finale in London this summer, tests short-listed participants to demonstrate the delivery of excellent care in front of a panel of judges. Activities devised to replicate situations familiar with every day roles include an "Emergency Situation", which judges competitors in a pressurised environment.

Liz McSheehy, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Social Care, which is organising the competition with education charity UK Skills, says: "We are thrilled to be hosting the first national Caring Competition at Leicester College.

"Caring Competitions provide an opportunity for students of social care and those working in the sector to demonstrate their abilities. We hope that these competitions will raise the profile of social care as a skilled and professional career choice."

Simon Bartley, chief executive of UK Skills, adds: "Entering skills competitions really does have a tremendous effect on competitors and their employers alike. UK Skills is very proud to be working in partnership with the Skills Academy in launching the first Caring Competition in the UK."

Further heats will follow at St Helen's College on April 7-8 and Telford College on May 11-12. The culmination of the WorldSkills UK Caring Competition will take place in London on June 23, where young participants could find they are selected to represent the UK internationally at WorldSkills London 2011. 

Susannah Fairbairn

(Pictured: Team UK at WorldsSkills Cagary last year)