Leipzig to host WorldSkills 2013

Leipzig, in Germany, has won its bid to host the 42nd WorldSkills Competition in 2013.

France’s Paris was also striving to host the globally renowned event, which pits nations together to compete with vocational skills, but Leipzig won the honour after proving its worth as "a business and services destination [which] is promoting a skills respect culture that is essential to economic success".

The announcement was made during a special General Assembly meeting at WorldSkills Calgary 2009, which kicked-off in spectacular style today.

WorldSkills Calgary president Richard Walker told FE News, who are in Calgary for the week to cheer on the 26 young British men and women hoping for gold medals, why the competition has been growing in popularity since it began more than 60 years ago.

"The idea is to raise the awareness of young people to opportunities that are out there in technology, skilled professions and trades. Watching the world’s best compete is inspiring," said Mr Walker.

Celebrity TV chef David Adjey, spokesperson for WorldSkills Calgary 2009, added: "It’s going to be awesome to see so many talented young people step up and face the pressures of not only competing, but having 150,000 people watch them up close and personal."

Three years ago, London won the privilege to host WorldSkills 2011 – just a year before the Olympic Games come to the capital.

The event will take place over four days at London’s ExCeL exhibition and conference centre. For more information, visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com