Discover the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival 2014

More than 25,000 participants enjoyed a thrilling skills competition and delightful carnival in one-go on 27 and 28 June.

The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival 2014 (WHKC 2014) was successfully held in June in the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a new landmark on the coastline of Hong Kong. This biennial event was not only a competition, but also a carnival this year. It was staged for the first time in such a magnificent venue and was opened for the public. There were 25 competition trades at WSHK 2014 with 11 of them held in Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. These included Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Hairdressing, Joinery, Mobile Robotics, Painting and Decoration, Plumbing and Heating, Restaurant Service, Visual Merchandising/Window Display, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Web Design.

The main theme of the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival 2014 was “Discover Skills”. Participants of the WHKC 2014 were amazed by the close encounters with skills, be it the skill competitions, skill demonstrations or the hands-on skill experience. The participants actually discovered, for themselves, the skills that fascinated them. The highlight of this WHKC 2014 was “Have-a-Go” skills try-outs, in which participants could immerse in skills experience and taste what it felt like being professional tradesmen. A lot of youngsters were intrigued by the fun of participating in these skills try-outs, for example LED circuit making, mocktails and cupcake making, vehicle wheel replacement, bamboo scaffolding or transforming themselves into image designers and photographers. Participants could also bring the DIY souvenirs back home after their tryouts.

Mr Herman Hui, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Youth Skills Competition, Vocational Training Council, stressed that one of the important objectives of the WHKC 2014 was to gear up younger generation’s skill standard, which in turn, would contribute to the economic development of Hong Kong. The WHKC is seen as a movement in promoting to and engaging the community in vocational education and training. The WHKC also identifies skilled talents who will represent Hong Kong in the WorldSkills Competition to compete with young professionals from around the world.

Mrs Cherry Tse, Permanent Secretary for Education, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was very impressed by the WHKC. “The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition is a real challenge for young tradesmen and certainly provides them a platform to excel their vocational skills. With the fun-filled activities going on around the competition areas, youngsters will certainly be inspired. The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival 2014 is truly enlightening and put forward the message of skills career as ‘the’ choice for youngsters.”

Further information of the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition 2014 can be found at www.worldskillshongkong2014.org.