The thrill of skills

EAL learners do battle in Birmingham

Some of British industry’s most talented young people are going head to head to compete for gold and a place in Team UK for WorldSkills International.

EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, has learners from all over the country taking part in WorldSkills UK competitions, which are being held as part of the Skills Show in Birmingham’s NEC from 13-15 November.

Wales is leading the way, supplying nine of the 31 competitors who have achieved or are working towards an EAL qualification and who won through to represent their companies and training providers at the national finals following a series of regional heats.

Winners from last year’s competition are preparing for the WorldSkills international in Sao Paulo Brazil next summer while those who win gold at this year’s event could be selected for Team UK to compete in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

EAL’s managing director, Julia Chippendale said: “It is fantastic to see so many of our students putting their learning into practice and showcasing their skills on such a big stage.

“The competitions play a vital role in raising skills standards among young people and provide an opportunity for competitors to challenge themselves against the best in the country.

“A highly skilled workforce with relevant qualifications to prove employees have reached the standard required is vital to the future of the UK economy. Our learners will prove an inspiration to the thousands of young people visiting the Skills Show and I wish them the very best of luck in their quest to win Gold medals.”

EAL is also sponsoring the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category in the National Apprenticeship Awards. The winners of all the awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service, will be announced at the LG Arena in Birmingham on November 13 during The Skills Show.

The Skills Show, which attracts around 75,000 visitors, also provides a wide range of hands-on experiences to inspire those visitors to explore skills, further education and Apprenticeships, helping them to gain advice on how to take the next step into the world of work.

They will have the opportunity to try over 45 skills for themselves in the interactive “Have a Go” experiences across the show in careers ranging from hairdressing to engineering, hospitality to plumbing.

The Skills Show is free to attend and open from 13-15 November 2014. For more information, and to book your place, please visit www.theskillsshow.com

The EAL competitors are: