WorldSkills Presentation Mark Bradley WorldSkills UK, Wales Manager Welsh Assembly Government

About WorldSkills International Skills Competition established in Previously called “Skill Olympics” Held every two years Currently 51 member countries involved Around 40 official skills Events last 22 hours across 4 days Age limit of under 23 for most competitions. Awards: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Medallions of Excellence competitors, 250,000 visitors

In May 2006 the UK won the bid to host the WorldSkills in UK Skills led the bid with support from partners and Governments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It will be held from 6 to 9 October 2011 at ExCeL London. It will involve an estimated 1,200 competitors from about 60 nations competing in 40 skills over four days of intense competition. The aim is to use WorldSkills London 2011 to create a lasting legacy which will benefit the UK before, during and after the event. WorldSkills London 2011

UK Results 1 Gold Medal 1 Silver Medal 2 Bronze Medals 9 Medallions of Excellence Gold medallist had 3 rd highest score in the Competition 11 th Overall out of 48 Countries who competed 2x4 th place, 1x5 th place, 1x6 th place

Why Get Involved? Competitors:  Test and challenge their skills – understand how good they are – benchmark against others on a regional, national and international stage Represent their country, their industry, their skill, on the World Stage Raise their skill level and receive the best training and development the UK has to offer Potentially receive additional qualifications in recognition of their achievement Increase your attractiveness to employers and differentiate yourself from others Experience a life changing experience!

Why Get Involved? Employers / Training Organisations: Promotes the industry and the skills required to sustain it by showcasing excellence Associate your organisation with World-Class training Attract talented people to work and train within your industry or organisation Gain recognition, marketing and PR opportunities - ability to differentiate your business or training organisation Benchmark the skills of employees and trainees against others throughout your regional, nation and internationally Raise skills levels and develop training to meet skill requirements Promotes vocational training and apprentices is a positive light and change attitudes and opinions of vocational qualifications

WorldSkills UK WorldSkills UK is the name given to competitions managed by UK Skills and partners across the UK WorldSkills UK competitions are the feeder route to get to the International WorldSkills competition There are currently around 60 WorldSkills UK competitions at various skill levels - WorldSkills UK competitions are managed, developed and supported by industry partners, Sector Skills Councils and education. Competitions operate during the academic calendar Competitions are free to enter

WorldSkills UK competitions Useful facts There are restrictions on the number competitors entering from a single training establishment. Identify and send the best competitors to the competition. Additional numbers are allowed if they are distinct campus and departments within larger training establishments. WorldSkills UK competitions operate at different levels. The Advanced (Level 3) and Higher (Level 4) competitions are normally where competitors are considered for short-listing. If a competitor wins the heat they do not automatically get invited to the national finals. Invitation is based on the highest scores achieved across all the heats.

If a competitor wins the national final they do not automatically get a place on UK shortlist, Squad or Team. Other important factors need to be considered before any selection is made. WorldSkills UK competitions is open to any age. There are age restrictions on the international competition which means we can only select competitors that fall within a specific age criteria. WorldSkills UK competitions are open to all UK residents. Competitors however will need a to have a UK passport in order to compete for the UK at WorldSkills. WorldSkills UK competitions Useful facts

Welsh Involvement Competitions in Wales that are funded by WAG (via ESF) are dual branded ‘SkillsCompetition Wales’ In the competition ‘cycle’ of 08/09 – 681 people competed in Skills Competitions across a number of sectors Typically competitions in Wales take place from October to May of each year Competitions in Wales are all age but to progress to the International WorldSkills competition the Age restriction of 23 still applies John Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Skills, Welsh Assembly Government has the lead for the WorldSkills agenda within Wales and meets quarterly with other UK Minister’s

Typical Welsh Model WorldSkills UK competitions Typical Welsh competition framework How a ‘Wales’ competition feeds into WorldSkills UK finals. Welsh finals must meet WorldSkills UK quality assurance procedures and standards At ‘heat’ stage all competitors will compete against the same standards and timescales. Judges must be impartial Organisers, hosts & judges must adhere to the competition rules.

Levels of Involvement Competition lead - submit bid on behalf of partnership, responsible for overall development, management and reporting of competition/s. Coordinate competition heats and a Welsh final. Ensure competition is eligible to feed into WorldSkills UK final. Identify, encourage and support people to enter and help develop the competition in your area (colleges, WBL providers, employers, industry partners and parents, etc) Promote WorldSkills UK and SkillsCompetition Wales competitions - links on website, register to ezines, promote through networks, etc Information will be posted on and

Bidding for Funding The Assembly Government will be shortly launching bidding to run skills competitions (SkillsCompetition Wales) for 2009/10 Up to 50% funding to develop and run skills competitions Must be on behalf of a partnership and include a DCELLS contracted provider for the delivery of Apprenticeships Elements of the competition must be all age and feed in to WorldSkills UK Competitors must be registered and informed that their information will be shared with WAG and UK Skills Must submit monthly reports and hold auditable information for ESF claims Details will be announced shortly and information posted on: and or

WorldSkills UK Competition ‘shopping list’ (07/08) *Total2112 *Entrants to competitions in 08/09 are over 4000 in total – currently awaiting the sector breakdown

WorldSkills UK Regional Participation

Thank You Any Questions? Mark Bradley WorldSkills UK, Wales Manager Welsh Assembly Government