Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Backs Bid to Bring WorldSkills to London

“

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced that it is backing the bid to bring the WorldSkills Olympics to Britain in 2011.

The proposed visit of the world’s leading international vocational skills competition to Britain ““ specifically to London, where it is expected to be hosted ““ has already received backing from politicians across the nation as well as from various industry and training sector stakeholders, with a delegation from Wales visiting Downing Street earlier this month the pledge their support.

Going for Gold?

The competition is held every two years and serves to improve the competitive and sharing ethos surrounding vocational training. It is organised by the international vocational training organisation of the same name, and brings together hundreds of people from across the world to compete in all manner of vocational training and learning fields. There are forty distinct events, ranging from engineering to beauty therapy and confectionery to stonemasonry. Each category will feature the awarding of three Olympian awards of Bronze, Silver and of course Gold medals.

The cost of the event could have proven a stumbling block for any bid. However, the Government have demonstrated their commitment to improving and supporting vocational learning and training by promising to foot half the bill for holding the event (£11 million) with the remainder to come from business sponsors and social partners.

The bid is still in its initial phase, and the WorldSkills Council will review all applications before making their final decision in Melbourne in May 2006.

Jethro Marsh

Support the bid right here in the FE Blog

“