It’s time to register your skilled students for WorldSkills UK Competitions and who know, like Catey Burn (pictured top) of Old Oak Florist, Ascot did in 2021 they could be Gold medal winners
Registration for this year’s WorldSkills UK Competitions is open from 28th February-1st April, with over 60 different skills competitions available for students and apprentices to enter and the British Florist Association will be working with WorldSkills to give florists from around the UK the chance to further their skills.
The competitions are free to enter as are the 10 Foundation Skills competitions which are aimed at learners with special educational needs and disabilities, additional learning needs, or who need additional support for learning.
Those who excel in the National Qualifiers will be invited to take part in the National Finals, which will take place in November across the UK, with the winner crowned the UK’s best in their chosen skill at a national celebration event.
World Skills will also be working with a national mainstream media partner who will provide a national platform to celebrate the finalists.
Skills competitions are designed by industry specific experts, and assess an individual’s knowledge, practical skills, and employability attributes against set criteria in a competitive timed environment. You can be any age to enter the florist competition but can have no more than 5 years’ experience within the industry.
The programme has a real impact, with 90% of previous entrants saying their career progression improved after taking part and 86% stated their personal and employability skills had improved. Helping students and apprentices to develop the high-quality skills employers need will also help to combat the economic impact of Covid-19 in the UK.
Dee Aylett-Smith, Head of National Competitions and Careers, WorldSkills UK said:
“We know that young people have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic and that is why we have relaunched our competitions-based development programme to support more young people develop the high-quality skills employers are looking for.
“By celebrating the talent, we have right across the UK, we want to recognise the importance and value of skilled work and encourage more young people to choose high-quality education and apprenticeships as routes to real success in work and life.”
Registration details will be available on the BFA website from 28th February 2022
