One School One Country - WorldSkills London 2011

By Dale Cox, WorldSkills International

This morning WorldSkills Competitors from all over the world visited local East London primary schools to share their stories and inspire local children. Team Canada, along with the Skills Canada National Spokesman Mike Holmes (from the TV shows “Holmes on Homes” and “Holmes Inspection”) visited Gainsborough Primary School where they were welcomed by Head Teacher Clare Pike. Ms Pike explained that Gainsborough is a school of 450 students from Nursery school to Grade 6 (ages 3 – 11) whose core values are excellence, respect and integrity, ideals familiar to all WorldSkills Competitors.

The Competitors were hosted by the brightest students from Grade 6, chosen for their commitment to their studies and participation in the Gainsborough’s extension program. Mike Holmes commented, “WorldSkills is just like the Olympics, but in my world, in the trades.” He admires the Competitors because “they love what they do, they care, they push and they don’t stop”.

The students gave gifts to Team Canada of key rings they designed with an alternative Olympic mascot – the famous London Pigeon! The students had worked collaboratively on the project and were very proud to present the Competitors with their work, along with a banner designed and made by all the students welcoming their special visitors.
 
The Canadians fielded questions from the children about their culture, and then more specific questions about their skills. The students were interested in what skills actually were (especially Fashion Technology and Graphic Design Technology), who were the toughest Competitors and whether the Competitors had to practice or did their skill come naturally – the answer of course a resounding practice, in addition to passion and interest. Following this session, the Competitors told the children what their skill was, what they actually did in each skill and who were their biggest rivals. The students then conducted tours around the school in small groups, answering Competitors’ questions and meeting back in the classroom for refreshments provided by the school.

Following the visit, Luc Morin, Team Leader for Canada, commented on how much the Competitors enjoyed the experience. The students’ attention to detail and level of preparation for the visit, combined with the enthusiasm for the Canadian team throughout the school made the day a special one for all involved. Competitor Jessica Bubar (Beauty Therapy) said afterwards “It was very exciting for me. It was great to see their faces light up, and for the kids to get a feel for the opportunities available out there. Although university is a great option, you can make a lot of money and have a good career in the trades.”

The students were looking forward to visiting the WorldSkills London Competition on day one to learn more about skills, career options, to see their visitors in action and, of course, to cheer their new favourite country!