When we talk about competition within education and training it can sometimes bring about mixed feelings, but in my experience healthy competition can bring about higher standards of competence, and the enhanced skills can bring economic success and individual fulfilment.

It is imperative that we focus on the development of ideas and best practice strategies right for our rapidly changing economic circumstances. One strategy we simply cannot ignore in this challenging period is the need to teach skills that meet the requirement of both students young people and industry. And this begins with reigniting a passion for learning among both parties.

WorldSkills is an international competition held every two years, where 51 member countries meet and compete in over 40 different vocational skills, including beauty therapy, web design, cabinet making, floristry and engineering.

For all the young people who take part it is an invaluable, unique learning experience. Many of the competitors go on to act as ambassadors for their skills and promote excellence in vocational education and training.

Additionally, competing at the highest level in a WorldSkills competition builds the skills and confidence of competitors, leading to better career prospects and personal development. For employers of a competitor, their support for the competition is proven to attract an increased number of highly skilled job applicants to the business.

Which is why I take my role as the South West’s WorldSkills Champion very seriously, in actively encouraging more young people, employers and training providers to get involved, increasing the diversity in the competitor base and liaising with other regional WorldSkills Champions to share best practice.

I’m happy to say that the South West is making its presence known, with a number of winners in the UKSkills 2008/9, including gold for a City College Plymouth student at WorldSkills 2009 WorldSkills 2008/9, and this year a number of South West colleges will be hosting various regional heats.

So, I think it’s safe to say that competitions are not only about finding the ‘best’, but are about taking part and allowing people to improve their skills and learn from others. Competitions are designed to test individuals against standards for work, now and in the future.

For the individual, the rewards can be fantastically self satisfying. For employers, highly adept employees contribute to the success and profitability of the company.

Viv Gillespie
Principle of City College Plymouth