Wednesday Jun 14, 2006

ExCeL London - The UK has won a bid to host the WorldSkills Competition in London in 2011, beating strong competition from rival countries Australia and Sweden.

WorldSkills, held every two years, will take place in the Capital from the 6th to the 9th October 2011 at ExCeL London.

Commenting on the WorldSkills announcement, Jamie Buchan, Chief Executive, ExCeL London: "This is fantastic news for the Capital and ExCeL London, representing a truly marvelous opportunity to showcase the extraordinary array of vocational opportunities available to young people the world over. I am confident that London will stage a world-class event which will ensure a major legacy in the development of the skills agenda."

Chris Humphries, Chairman of UK Skills, and the organisation, which spearheaded the UK bid, said:"This is such an achievement for the UK. We now have the foundations to raise the profile of WorldSkills in the UK and at a global level. Watching over 700 young people compete to attain World Class standards in skills is truly exhilarating and I can't wait for 2011 when London will host the WorldSkills Competition, it will be absolutely incredible."