Global businesses, including Honda, Siemens, Bentley and HSBC have signed up to support one of the country's biggest training skills events, WorldSkills London 2011.
As an event sponsor, Honda is investing in the next generation of skilled workers who could eventually by employed at the company's Swindon plant. The sponsors will also help address the problem posed by the five million working-age Britons identified as having no skills-based qualifications.
WorldSkills London 2011 sponsors are championing the importance of skills in sectors ranging from autobody repair to web design, and their support will have a direct impact on both competitors and the anticipated 150,000 visitors. By joining other leading companies on a world stage and helping create opportunities for young people to experience the important role skills have to play in the UK economy, sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 offers a leadership role in developing the next generation of skilled workers.
Skills Minister John Hayes said: “With an extra £180m of investment in apprenticeships announced in last month’s budget, vocational skills are at the top of the Government’s agenda. We want them to be at the top of every employer’s agenda too – and we are reshaping the skills system to help businesses large and small meet their most pressing training needs. It’s great news that by backing WorldSkills, some of our best firms are helping us make the UK a beacon for technical and creative excellence.”
Neil Fletcher, head of the Honda Institute, commented: “We’re delighted to be involved with an event as big and exciting as WorldSkills London 2011. At a time when skills are more important than ever to our economy, business investment is vital to ensure that talented young people in the UK have the chance to realise their potential.”
Taking place every two years in a different host country, WorldSkills London 2011 commences on October 5, and will be the biggest event ever held at ExCeL London. The Competition will see 1,000 young people from across the world competing in a range of different skills for the honour of being crowned the best of the best in their specialist discipline.
Companies interested in sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 are encouraged to visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com or email sponsor@worldskillslondon2011.com.
