The World’s Got Talent

There were 46 disciplines, or vocational skills, from hairdressing to bricklaying to web design to aircraft maintenance.

Simon Francis, spokesman for WorldSkills London 2011, said it was the “largest skills competition, career and job fair on the planet”.

“The competition is not only an opportunity for young people to compete and show that they are the best of the best in the next generation of talent, but it’s also a chance to spread the word about vocational, practical learning”.

According to Mr Francis, research shows that many people do not understand what careers and benefits vocational education can lead to.

“Skills shape the world… We really want to change peoples’ views about skills and vocational qualifications,” said Mr Francis.

Business people, many of whom came to visit WorldSkills or take part in accompanying conferences, began to appreciate more and more the value of skills, he said.

“Politicians are starting to increasingly appreciate the value of skills, as is the general public, too… If you are a young person and you are thinking what you should do – should you go to university or should you do a skill or a trade – then you should just look at them equally, both can lead to success.”