Worldskills Success Welcomed

The successful bid by the UK to host the world’s largest skills competition for young people offers Scotland a fantastic opportunity to showcase its talents to the rest of the world, Allan Wilson said today.

The Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning was speaking in Melbourne where he was part of the successful UK team bidding to bring the 2011 Worldskills competition to London.

He said it is hoped that Scotland can host a day at the four-day event which will see young people aged 18 - 22 from more than 40 countries compete in skills ranging from engineering and IT to carpentry and cooking.

Mr Wilson said:

“This is great news for Scotland and offers a fantastic opportunity to inspire the country’s young people to achieve excellence in skills.

“It is the talent and know-how of Scotland’s people that will help drive forward our economy. That is why I want to see Scotland’s schoolchildren develop a real appetite for learning and the world of work.

“Bringing such a high-profile event as Worldskills to the UK will really help raise the profile of vocational learning, and will help stimulate young people’s interest in work and training.

“I want to see Scotland play an active part not only in 2011 but in events leading up to the competition itself. I look forward to working with Scotland’s schools, colleges and businesses over the coming months to help us ensure that Scotland makes the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

11/05/06