Day One Rocks ExCeL London!

By Dale Cox, WorldSkills International

The most exciting place to be in London right now is WorldSkills London 2011 at ExCeL London! WorldSkills London 2011 is the biggest event ever held at the venue and the massive north and south halls are at full capacity. The atmosphere is electric with the tension of competition, the excitement of visitors and the excellence showcased at every turn.

The morning was very busy as primary school children arrived to visit and learn about the huge variety of possibilities for their future. The afternoon was filled with secondary students from all over London. Not only were the young students captivated by the various Skill Competitions, the children visited many of the Showcase stands where they could see vocational students and trainers demonstrate their talents. 

A wide variety of presentations are given daily, ranging from hair and make up in the style of Lady Gaga, to a “Chocolate Extravagance” presented by Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, a definite favourite once the audience were able to eat and enjoy the results!

Grade Four from St Mary’s School in North London enjoyed watching the Hairdressing Competitors and tried to decide which Competitor would win - a cause of great dispute amongst the students. Grade 11 from The Royal Docks Community School enjoyed the Cooking, seeing all the different trades at work, and “all the free stuff”!

A firm favourite with all ages has been the “Have A Go” events. Visitors have amazing opportunities to try their hand at something new.  Making a chair, ice skating, saving a life, public art, welding, designing a kettle, – these are only a small sample of the activities available for visitors to try. Students in third year at Havering College had a go at tiling, whilst other secondary students danced in the digital forest!

Day One has been a day of huge excitement. The best, most highly skilled young people in the world are right here at ExCel competing for their country. Who will win the Gold, Silver and Bronze on Sunday night? With three more days of Competition the results are unknown, but what is certain that each Competitor will leave London a Champion, having maybe influenced a young person to pursue excellence in their world.