Business leaders have been urged to help young people get on the career ladder at the start of the UK’s biggest gateway-to-work event which got underway at the NEC, Birmingham today. (21.11.19)
More than 80,000 youngsters have pre-registered for the three-day event, WorldSkills UK LIVE, which is proffering in excess of 20,000 ‘opportunities’.
Rooney Anand, Chairman of WorldSkills UK, and former head of FTSE 200 company Greene King, made the plea at a gathering of business leaders at the launch of WorldSkills UK LIVE – which included Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street.
“I believe passionately that we as business leaders must help young people fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions and WorldSkills UK is one of the very best vehicles to do that.
“Our job here is vital and to help them take that crucial first step on their own personal career ladder. We can not only help the young people themselves but the organisations that they will one day work for.
“WorldSkills UK is already making a huge difference to young people’s lives – but I know we can do more – and I am immensely excited about our plans to bring international best practice to the UK from the rest of the World.”
He went on to say: “WorldSkills UK is unique because we bring together educators, business, governments and young people. We at WorldSkills UK not only believe we make a difference – we know we make a difference.”
WorldSkills UK LIVE, at the NEC, Birmingham, from Nov 21-23 is deemed as the very best event of its kind in Europe, and is brimming with stimulating hands-on exhibits, fascinating talks and Q&A sessions with leading employers and scintillating entertainment.
Dozens of the UK’s major employers, organisations and educators will have a high-profile presence at LIVE in their quest to recruit the next generation of high-fliers. Among them will be BAE Systems, Toyota Manufacturing UK, Health Education England, Lloyds Banking Group, the armed forces, Middlesex University, Leicester College and Dudley College of Technology.
For the first time the free to enter interactive event is to be streamed live, with several daily broadcasts ‘Live at LIVE’ and expected to reach tens of thousands of young people who are unable to travel to the West Midlands.
The LIVE event is also the backdrop for the all-important National Finals of WorldSkills UK’s Competitions. More than 500 apprentices and students will compete in over 70 different disciplines – battling to be the best in the UK and hoping to secure the opportunity to compete to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Finals, known as the ‘skills Olympics’ in Shanghai in 2021.
WorldSkills UK, the organisation behind LIVE, will be sharing its top tips from its international medal-winning mental strength training which is used to train its elite team of young women and men who excelled in this summer’s ‘skills Olympics’ to help young people prepare for the challenges of work.
While Mental Health charities, organisations and experts will use the event as a hub to pass on best practice, helpful hints and practical advice to young people, parents and teachers about how to tackle mental health issues in school and the workplace.
Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK said: “Twenty thousand jobs, apprenticeships and training courses – all under one roof. This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone looking to secure skills and a rewarding career.
“We want to give young people an inspirational insight into what their future career could be, and by working with the UK’s leading employers, education and training organisations at LIVE they can access careers advice and see the skills they need to reach their full potential.”
Among the initiatives taking place at LIVE are:
The Million Minds Tour – culminates at LIVE with an attempt to deliver the world’s largest mental health lesson to young people (Friday November 22nd) – with influencers, experts and coaches passing on tips & techniques to improve mental strength and wellbeing. British grime and hip-hop rapper, singer and producer Lady Leshurr from Solihull will be among those providing the live entertainment.
Explorer and extreme athlete Ash Dykes, DIY SOS star Mark Millar and TV presenter Stefan Gates will be speaking at LIVE and sharing their inspirational career stories.
Mental Strength Panel (Saturday 23rd)– The Mix – the UK based charity providing young people with support and advice on mental wellbeing issues – has put together a talented panel consisting of influencers and experts to address questions from the audience about health and wellbeing
The world’s first customised virtual reality careers guidance where visitors will be able to discover what career and course opportunities are available and best suited to them based on their interests and personality traits, all through an immersive VR experience called VICTAR.